Business exit vision is the very first step to a successful transition. Before you talk to buyers, bankers, or brokers, get clear on what a “win” looks like for you—personally, financially, and philosophically. That clarity becomes your north star through the entire process.
This is Part 1 of our Built to Thrive (and Sell) series—a plain-English roadmap from defining your goals to navigating the deal and planning your next chapter with confidence.
Why Your Business Exit Vision Comes First
Selling your company is more than a transaction—it’s a life transition. Your business carries years (or decades) of identity, purpose, relationships, and legacy. Owners who skip personal clarity up front are the most likely to regret their exit later.
Research backs it up: a large share of business sale attempts fail, and among those that close, nearly 75% of owners report profound regret within a year (Exit Planning Institute). The top reasons? Loss of identity, misaligned buyers, cultural whiplash post-sale, and the realization they could have preserved more wealth—or more of the company’s soul—with a different plan.
Your business exit vision prevents that. It guides valuation expectations, the kind of buyer you want (strategic, PE, or employee ownership), the transition timeline, and your role after the sale.
The Three Critical Elements of a Fulfilling Exit
- Maximize transferable business value
- Prepare financially for life without business income (know your Freedom Number)
- Plan personally for what’s next—purpose, time, and relationships
Most owners focus on #1 and ignore #2 and #3. That’s how regret creeps in.
The Readiness Gap (and Why It Matters)
Studies like the Colorado State of Owner Readiness report show a big disconnect: most owners recognize exit planning is critical, yet 48% have no written personal financial plan, 65% have no formal transition plan, and 78% lack an exit-focused advisor team. No wonder regret rates are high.
The fix: treat exit strategy as business strategy—and start with your personal vision.
Define Your Vision (and Your Next Act)
Borrowing from What’s Within You (co-authored by ADHS Co-Founder Dave Shurna), your Vision is a compass, not a to-do list. It’s a statement of who you want to be and why that matters. Here’s a simple path:
- Reflect (uninterrupted): What energizes you? What brings joy? What are your non-negotiable values?
- Clarify values: List 5–7 values that will guide decisions post-exit.
- Draft your Vision: One inspiring paragraph that makes you say, “Yes—that’s me.”
- Elevate beyond you: Where can your next chapter lift others—family, team, community, or a cause?
- Roadmap it: Sketch today’s “You Are Here” and the milestones toward your Vision (learning, giving, adventure, work, boards, consulting).
- Share & refine: Ask a trusted “Rope Team” member for feedback. Update. Revisit as you grow.
Your Freedom Number (and the Wealth Gap)
Your Freedom Number is the after-tax amount you need to live your ideal life post-exit. It’s not a wish—it’s a plan. A wealth advisor can model scenarios, tax effects, and income plans so you can see (in black and white) whether your likely sale proceeds cover your goals—or reveal a Wealth Gap you can close before you sell.
Tip: Align your business value targets with your personal plan. If there’s a gap, you have time to grow value on purpose.
Involve Your Family (and Your Rope Team)
Owners often keep plans to themselves—then face friction later. Bring your spouse/partner and key family into the conversation early. Your Rope Team—trusted friends, mentors, and advisors—provides both emotional support and honest feedback as you shape your business exit vision.
Plan for the “5Ds” (Contingencies)
About 50% of exits are forced by the 5Ds: death, disability, distress, disagreement, divorce. Even a simple, written contingency plan protects your family and your business if life zigzags before your ideal timeline. Don’t leave this to chance.
Key Questions to Clarify Your Business Exit Vision
- Purpose: What will give me meaning after the sale—family, travel, service, boards, investing, coaching, philanthropy, a new venture?
- Involvement: Do I want to step away completely or stay on part-time or as a board advisor?
- Freedom Number: How much (after tax) do I need to live well and support the people/causes I care about?
- Legacy: Which exit path best preserves my values and people—strategic buyer, private equity, or employee ownership (ESOP)?
- Culture: How important is it that the team and customers feel continuity after I leave?
- Timing: When do I want this to happen—and what milestones must occur first?
Action Steps (Do These Next)
- Block 2 hours to write your Vision draft—values, purpose, and the life you want.
- Calculate your Freedom Number with a wealth advisor. Identify any Wealth Gap.
- Share your draft with a spouse/partner and one trusted Rope Team member.
- Document contingencies (the 5Ds) and store them where your family can access them.
- Read Part 2 of this series and start listing the advisors you’ll need.
FAQ
Why start with personal vision instead of valuation?
Because your business exit vision defines the “win.” It informs the right buyer, timing, price targets, and your life after the sale—reducing regret.
What if my Freedom Number is higher than likely sale proceeds?
Great to learn now. You can close the gap with value-growth work before you sell.
How soon should I begin?
Ideally 12–36 months before exit. The earlier you clarify, the more options you’ll have.
What if I don’t know my next chapter yet?
Start with values and experiments—consulting, boards, volunteering, learning. Your purpose can evolve.
Ready to Clarify Your Business Exit Vision?
Based in Colorado, we help Front Range and mountain-town owners define a business exit vision, and align the path to a confident, fulfilling transition.
Want a free sounding board? Email us at Will@AmericanDream-HS.com