Patrick Metzger’s Post

Your Business Exit Strategy Should Start NOW! (…Not the day you want to sell.) I recently had a conversation with business broker Stewart Guthrie, and here’s the truth he shared with me 👇 When selling your business, last-minute decisions are not an option. Stewart explains that the best exit strategies are developed 3-5 years in advance. Why? Because planning means you have time to: 🔹 Define your end goal (it’s not just about selling—it’s about why you want to sell) 🔹 Make strategic adjustments that add value 💰 🔹 Build a vision for a successful handover that benefits you and your team. As someone who’s owned multiple businesses, Stewart truly understands the unique challenges business owners face and how much they pour into their ventures. So, for anyone who owns their business, start planning your exit today. #BusinessGrowth #ExitStrategy #EntrepreneurLife #Planning

Exit planning is often overlooked by business owners, yet it can be crucial to a successful transition. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, these statistics from the 2023 Q4 Market Pulse Report might change how you approach your exit strategy. A majority of business owners fail to plan for their exit, exposing themselves to financial risks and missed opportunities. The numbers speak for themselves: <$500K businesses: 74% did no exit planning $500K - $1MM businesses: 67% skipped exit planning $1MM - $2MM businesses: 63% failed to plan $2MM - $5MM businesses: 57% had no exit strategy Skipping exit planning can lead to lower valuations and unforeseen complications when it’s time to sell. Even those who do plan often rush the process, moving from consultation to market in less than a year. However, proper exit planning takes time and should start well in advance of your intended sale date. Rushed decisions can lead to oversights and undervaluation, costing you in the long run. It may seem logical that larger businesses with more resources engage in exit planning, but smaller businesses actually need it just as much—if not more. Owners of small businesses are often more personally and emotionally invested, making it harder to find successors and increasing the need for a thoughtful exit strategy. Thus, a well-executed exit plan can make all the difference. Partnering with a business broker ensures you’re not navigating this complex process alone. My team and I can help you navigate and refer you to great advisors that can tailor exit strategies based on your business and personal goals. Don't hesitate to reach out today -- I'd be happy to chat! #businessbroker #businessbrokerage #sellingabusiness #exitplanning

Do you have an exit strategy? Would you like to sell your business one day? How much is your business worth and... will someone buy it? Sadly, most business owners don't have the answers to these critical questions. And it's no surprise when it comes time to move on, they don’t sell or realize their business’s true value. Being such a critical topic, I wanted to share with you a recording from a closed-door training I ran with Kerry Boulton-Holdsworth, an exit strategy expert (link in the comments). You’re going to love it since she shared insights like: - Start planning your exit 3-5 years out to maximize readiness and valuation. - Build transferable systems to reduce reliance on you as owner - this reduces risk. - Sale process can take over a year from the initial offer to close. - You can't time your exit perfectly - always be prepared for unexpected offers. - View exit planning as an ongoing process. Your experience builds with each exit. Kerry unpacked so many critical lessons based on her deep expertise. Whether you someday plan to exit or not, having a strategy in place creates options and helps secure your business's value. You can listen to a recording of our full private training below [link in the comments] And I’d love to know, have you got a plan to exit? Post your comments below. #ExitPlanning #BusinessSuccess #SmallBusinessOwner 

Are you leaving money on the table with your business exit strategy? Recent research reveals a startling fact: Business owners who plan their exit 3+ years in advance capture up to 45% more value than those who don't. Yet 76% of owners have no formal exit plan. Consider these eye-opening statistics: • Unplanned family transitions retain only 43% of business value • Professional exit planning teams increase value by 37% • The right exit strategy can add 1-2x EBITDA to your multiple Whether you're considering: - Passing the torch to family - Selling to your management team - Exploring a strategic sale - Investigating ESOP options The time to start planning is now. The data is clear: The earlier you begin, the more value you preserve and create. Ready to maximize your business value? Contact Robert Green, MBA at Melbourne Business Advisors to start your exit planning journey today. 📧 info@melbournebusinessadvisors.com 📱 (321) 344-2386 #ExitPlanning #BusinessValue #Succession #BusinessStrategy #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwners #Melbourne #Florida

Secure Your Business Legacy: Don't Let Your Exit Strategy Become an Afterthought As a business owner, you’re laser-focused on building value for your clients. But are you neglecting your own future? Don’t let procrastination lead to post-exit regrets and financial disappointments. It’s time to take charge of your business legacy. Introducing The Exit Checklist - your roadmap to a happy and lucrative exit. Discover: - 5 critical questions every business owner must answer for a successful exit - The 2 major catalysts that drive business owners to sell - How to align your exit strategy with your reasons for leaving - The essential tool for determining your ideal walk-away number Don’t leave your future to chance. Let’s build a future as impressive as the business you’ve created. #ExitStrategy #BusinessLegacy #ValueBuilding #EntrepreneurialSuccess #FinancialFreedom #BusinessTransition #StrategicPlanning #WealthPreservation #BusinessValuation #SuccessionPlanning

Secure Your Business Legacy: Don't Let Your Exit Strategy Become an Afterthought As a business owner, you’re laser-focused on building value for your clients. But are you neglecting your own future? Don’t let procrastination lead to post-exit regrets and financial disappointments. It’s time to take charge of your business legacy. Introducing The Exit Checklist - your roadmap to a happy and lucrative exit. Discover: - 5 critical questions every business owner must answer for a successful exit - The 2 major catalysts that drive business owners to sell - How to align your exit strategy with your reasons for leaving - The essential tool for determining your ideal walk-away number Don’t leave your future to chance. Let’s build a future as impressive as the business you’ve created. #ExitStrategy #BusinessLegacy #ValueBuilding #EntrepreneurialSuccess #FinancialFreedom #BusinessTransition #StrategicPlanning #WealthPreservation #BusinessValuation #SuccessionPlanning

Don’t wait to plan your exit strategy—here’s why. For many business owners, the day-to-day grind overshadows long-term planning. One big oversight? Not having a clear exit strategy. Here’s the truth ⬇️ Your business isn’t just a source of income—it’s a cornerstone of your wealth-building journey. But to truly unlock its value, you need to prepare for what happens when you step away. 🔑 3 crucial questions to ask yourself today: · What’s the true value of your business? · Are you building systems that let it run without you? · Does selling, passing it down, or merging best align with your goals? A solid exit strategy protects your future and ensures your legacy. And here’s the kicker—it’s never too early to start planning. If this resonates, let’s connect. Taking the first step now could change everything later. #ExitPlanning #BusinessOwners #WealthStrategy #FinancialPlanning

There are quite a few things that set apart successful businesses. But one thing I've noticed in conversations with owners, is the ability to think long term. Businesses need long term thinking to survive. And when you’re stuck in the weeds, that’s impossible. You’re not thinking in terms of 5 years or 3 years when you’re trying to make it through this year. Or month. Or week. And you're certainly not thinking of exit. But you should be. An exit ready business isn't just about exit. It's about building a business that is valuable. Yes, to a prospective buyer one day. But more importantly to you, here and now. The things that need to shift vary. Maybe you need to delegate more. Maybe you need to tighten processes. Maybe you need processes in place to begin with. But the bottom line is: working IN the business is not going to get it ahead. We'll be talking about how to make this shift with a panel of exit planning advisors tomorrow at 12 PM ET. Don't miss it! Register here: https://lnkd.in/e-bRydUU #smallbusiness #takearealvacation

Are you ready to take your next step with confidence? For founders and successful families, life-changing decisions like business exits, strategic relocations, or succession plans don’t just require attention—they require precision and foresight. But when you’re focused on growth and managing success, it can be hard to give these matters the attention they demand. That’s where we come in. Our firm takes pride in being the trusted advisers for those managing complex transitions. We’re here to act as your strategic partner, ensuring every decision you make is the right one for the future you’re building. It’s time to turn big ideas into smart, actionable plans. Let’s talk. #taxadvisor #businessexit #successionplanning #businessplanning #success #relocations

📣 Ever thought about what happens next after building a successful business? 🤔 Having an exit strategy is crucial! Not only does it allow you to maximize the value of your business, but it also prepares you for unexpected changes or personal reasons. Here are some key benefits: 1️⃣ Potential increase in profit 💰 2️⃣ Preparedness for unforeseen circumstances ⚠️ 3️⃣ Flexibility for personal life decisions 👨👩👧👦 Remember, the best time to start planning an exit strategy was yesterday, the second-best time is now! 🕒 So don't wait until it's too late! Your future self will thank you. #ExitStrategy #BusinessPlanning #GreenPathCPA #LorainCounty #planahead #createvalue #ValueCreationPros