Every business has a story. And some of the most heroic stories involve the numbers. All of these numbers add up to the story of your business. When it comes time to exit your business, this story is a key component of success. The story of how you got the business to where it is and a picture painted of where it can go are vital to a successful process.

Whether we believe it or not, we are all creative at heart. We are all capable of creating things that are unique to who we are and what we love to do.

What does a book about the battles of the creative process have to do with my company?

Innovation. Ambition. Passion. Vision. Perseverance.

All words that accurately describe the entrepreneurial spirit and the business owners we encounter on a daily basis.

Personally, I find the perseverance of business owners to be the most impressive trait, as well as the most valuable asset to their success.

What it takes to become great in this world is a willingness to continue when the going gets tough. And to keep going, when it gets tougher.

We speak with so many owners that have found themselves in situations where the way forward was incredibly uncertain.

Maybe you relate?

How prepared are you for the future state of your business? How ready is your business to transfer to a new owner? Regardless of the option that best suits you and your business, you’ll likely need to spend a lot of time seeking out information and guidance on the process. When the initial study was done in 2013, less than 40% of all owners surveyed said that they had an understanding of their exit options. In 2023, that number rose to 70%.

The intention during our Exit Audit is to learn the story of your business over the course of interviewing those that built it or have become essential in running it.

Hearing the stories of how it came to be, the factors that cause customers to remain loyal, and the plans for the future.

How did you get to where you are today and how will you reach those future goals you have plans for? That’s what we get to discuss.

The interview portion isn’t an interrogation, it’s a conversation. A conversation that allows us to paint a vibrant picture of your company and its potential.

So much of the value in your business is built on the qualitative data we learn about in the interviews.

Creating a thriving company culture is not done overnight, in a week, or even in a single month. It’s created over time, with intentional investment from company leadership, and a commitment to keeping it top of mind each and every day.

Jon Coleman writes, “Workplaces that have a deep sense of mission and values with which we can align are more engaging and joyful to work for.”

As you read that quote, do you have a solidified mission and values that come to mind for your company? Are your company values clear, concise and communicated through the entire organization?

If not, it's time to roll up those sleeves. When everyone's on the same page, decisions become easier, hires become more aligned, and the whole company moves forward with purpose.

Your employees have been with you through thick and thin. Building your company alongside you. But as you prepare to exit, your attention turns to one question again and again: What’s going to happen to my employees now that I’m selling? Here are 4 Ways You Can Look Out for Your Key Employees During the Sale of Your Company.

Where you sit today, exiting your business may be a far off thought, but it’s important to see that one day it will be a reality. Even if your exit is 20 or 30 years away, there are things you can do today that will radically increase the value of your business in the here and now, and when it’s time to exit.