Most business owners overestimate what their company is worth. That’s not an opinion—it’s a data-backed reality. And if you’re planning to sell someday, that overconfidence can be expensive.
The good news? Exit planning doesn’t just help you prepare for a sale. It’s a smart strategy for building a stronger, more resilient business today. Think of it this way:
Exit planning isn’t about leaving your business. It’s about leaving it better.
1. Where Real Business Value Comes From
Yes, financial performance matters. But it’s only about 20% of what drives your company’s value. The other 80%? It comes from four key areas known as the Four Intangible Capitals—or simply, the Four C’s:
- Human Capital – the strength of your team
- Structural Capital – your systems, processes, and IP
- Customer Capital – the quality and depth of your client relationships
- Social Capital – your culture, brand, leadership, and community presence
Companies that invest in these areas create value that’s transferable—and that’s what buyers pay for. When you focus on building these Four C’s, stronger financial performance tends to follow.
2. Exit Planning Is Growth Planning
Here’s a simple truth: if your business isn’t ready to sell, it’s probably not ready to scale either.
Why? Because the same traits that make a company attractive to buyers—predictable cash flow, low owner dependency, strong systems—also make it easier to grow.
Exit planning helps you de-risk the business, improve operations, and build toward long-term, sustainable growth. It’s not just planning for an ending. It’s preparing for what’s next—whatever that may be.
3. Know Where You Stand
Are you best-in-class in your category? Do you know how a buyer would evaluate your company today? If not, you’re flying blind.
That’s where our Triggering Event Boot Camp comes in.
This process gives you an honest, data-driven look at:
- Your current business valuation
- The strength of your intangible capitals
- Your company’s attractiveness to buyers
- Your readiness for transition—whenever it comes
You’ll walk away with a clear action plan to increase value, reduce risk, and improve your company’s future—whether you sell or not.
Here’s Your Call to Action:
- Stop guessing.
- Stop waiting.
- Start planning.
The best time to build a sellable business is long before you think you need to.
Let’s schedule your Triggering Event Boot Camp and find out what your business is worth today—and how to make it worth more tomorrow.
About the Author:
Erin holds two bachelor’s degrees and an MBA from Southern Methodist University, and is fluent in Spanish. A Certified Exit Planning Advisor and professional dog trainer, she plays a strategic role in BirdsEye’s M&A engagements—leading exit planning, marketing strategy, and due diligence. With over 20 years of experience across industries, Erin brings deep expertise in sales, operations, and global product development, including eight years working closely with manufacturers in Asia. A lifelong animal advocate, she shares her home with two cats and a senior Bichon, actively fosters rescue pets, and has twice completed the spectator tennis Grand Slam.