Plan This Before You Sell

August 26, 2025

Transitions are the threads that weave the tapestry of our lives. They come in various forms - career changes, personal milestones, evolving relationships, and changes within your business.

Each transition demands that you reorient yourself to something new, whether it's a shift in your market, an expansion of your services, or positioning your company for your exit.

As you adapt to new circumstances, your perspective broadens, your skills deepen, and your resilience strengthens.

But, 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 last 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:

For your business exit, what exactly do you want, why do you want it, and when do you want it?

Here’s the Twist . . .

Crossing new thresholds has captured our collective imagination for thousands of years.

Gracefully moving from one phase of life, one stage of business, or one type of relationship to another is a challenging, often joyful, sometimes vexing transition.

I think of all life transitions as new thresholds to cross. Everyone experiences them – but not everyone can plan ahead.

That’s the advantage you have in building and exiting a business. You can determine the approach, timing, and outcomes you want. You can think through scenarios of what works best for you and your family.

Navigating transitions can be an exhilarating challenge. It's about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown.

It's about asking yourself:

Who do I want to become through this transition?
What do I want my life to look like before, during and after my business exit?
Why do I want what I want? Are these things what I actually want or what I think I ‘should’ want?
When do I want these things to happen?
How can I achieve these goals on my timeline, at my pace, and under my control?

Building value takes time and positioning your company for your exit can take five years or more. Build value now, so you can exit when you are ready, in a way that makes sense for you.

Even if you’re not interested in selling your business – and dealing with the complexities and expense of doing so – you may still be able to sell your client list, intellectual property, and unique processes.

So plan this before you sell: your transition plan for achieving an Elegant Exit™. That’s my specialty: helping you reach your goals with dignity, grace, and integrity; leave a legacy for those you care most about, including your staff and clients; and start your next chapter in the most meaningful way.

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.