Lose This Before You Sell

August 12, 2025

Life is not an either-or scenario, and neither is business – but technical experts lean toward binary thinking.

Linear thinkers generally get caught up in believing there is ‘success’ and there is ‘failure,’ with nothing in between. Intellectually, we know differently, but it still feels like there are opportunities just outside our grasp.

We’ve been taught there is a ‘right’ way and a ‘wrong’ way to do things. We dread going down the ‘wrong’ path, getting the ‘wrong’ answers, and feeling like a failure – or worse, a fool.

I see women business owners get hurt and hustled. All. The. Time. I feel protective of my clients and colleagues.

So, I’m sharing tangibles for women to believe, find, prioritize, avoid, fix, keep secret, learn, lose, negotiate, and plan before you sell. This is the eighth of ten ‘Do This Before You Sell’ articles I’ve developed to help you navigate your business exit without all the pain…

Today’s Question:

In what circumstances do you find yourself falling into the trap of the linear thinker?

Here’s the Twist . . .

Linear thinker logic – ‘there is only one right answer’ – is a trap. It brings with it a lot of fear and anxiety, bubbling to the surface and keeping us in reaction mode.

Feeling reactive, we’re much more likely to take comments and questions personally. We misinterpret a question about the work, thinking the potential buyer is questioning our expertise or experience.

We’re afraid they aren’t taking us seriously and we get defensive, always on alert for problems or insults. It sets us up for hurt feelings and frustration. We may worry there’s bad intent when there is none, and all this ‘head trash’ derails us.

The exit process is especially complex because you’ll be speaking with and learning from people you’ve never had to deal with before: potential buyers, potential investors, attorneys and accountants who specialize in business sales, business valuation experts, brokers, and an assortment of advisors who may be industry related.

Meanwhile, your exit transition can be a very creative, interesting, enlightening exercise. Being open to new ideas and approaches during the selling process can create a transition that better fits your desires and achieves the outcomes you want most.

So lose this before you sell: binary thinking that keeps you trapped in ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ scenarios. You don’t need to have all the answers, as long as you have trusted advisors guiding you.

Now What?

Are you stuck in your Second Act?

Have you built a profitable and valuable business but instead of feeling like there's something missing, you’re feeling like there's something more?

If you’ve built an accounting firm, a law firm, a financial services firm, a psychology practice, or a specialty consulting firm that is generating $1 million to $10 million in annual revenue, you are in a prime market.

Larger firms and companies are growing by buying other firms. This has long been the case, but we’re seeing a higher rate than ever.

In a tragic twist, I see too many women who actually lose their company instead of exiting on their own terms. The exit process is filled with pitfalls and complex issues – especially for women.

I’ve built my business as an advocate, and I specialize in helping women founders transition to their Third Act – when you’re ready to do the work you’ve always longed to do.

As your advocate, by definition, I’m looking out for your best interests. I am not taking a brokerage fee, commission, or equity. I am not motivated by how quickly the exit moves or the final dollar amounts. I want what you want – and will help you get it.

Are you ready to exit your business on your terms?

That requires a new way of thinking, new skills, a simple and elegant design, and an advocate by your side. Contact me to learn more.

How exit-ready are you? Find out at: http://she-exits.com/

The ‘Do This Before You Sell’ Series of Articles, by Patty Block

A Note from Patty...

My life’s work is empowering high-achieving women business owners to fine-tune their operations and scale their revenue for strategic growth, creating real business value and emerging exit ready. That value can transform into wealth when they are ready to exit their company - and I believe that wealth in the hands of women elevates society as a whole.