Planning the Future Your Business Deserves
Why Exit Planning is Important
Exiting a business involves more than selecting a date and placing the company on the market. It requires careful preparation—financially, operationally, and emotionally—to ensure a smooth and successful transition. A thoughtfully developed exit plan enables business owners to preserve value, maintain continuity, and part ways on their own terms. But too often, expectations around timing, ease, and outcomes don’t reflect reality.
This is where strategic planning becomes essential.
Common Exit Planning Myths That Can Derail Success
“If I put my business on the market, it will sell quickly.”
In reality, nearly half of businesses listed for sale never find a buyer. A successful sale requires more than just listing—it demands careful preparation to attract serious, qualified interest.
“I can exit whenever I’m ready.”
Exiting on your own timeline is ideal in theory, but in practice, it rarely works without a long runway. Owners who wait until the last minute often limit their options. Starting the planning process three to five years in advance dramatically increases the chances of a smooth transition.
“The exit process will take care of itself.”
An estimated two out of three business owners will report being unhappy with how their exit unfolded. Without early planning and expert guidance, the process can quickly become overwhelming—and the results disappointing.
The Three Dimensions of Exit Planning
Business Readiness
Are your operations, financials, and leadership team prepared for a transition? A business that runs well without the owner is far more attractive to buyers.Financial Readiness
Will the sale or succession support your financial future? Understanding how your business value fits into your personal financial goals is essential.Personal Readiness
Are you emotionally prepared to step away? Many owners are surprised by how much their identity ties to their business. It’s important to plan for what’s next.
What Creates Successful Exit Planning
Successful transitions aren’t accidental. They’re the result of deliberate steps taken over time:
Ideally, exit planning begins 3–5 years in advance. This gives you time to strengthen the business and explore different exit options.
A professional valuation reveals what your business is worth—and why—so you can take actions that increase long-term value.
Whether through a third-party sale, internal succession, or other strategies, scenario planning helps align the exit with your personal and business goals.
Personal and financial goals must match the business strategy to ensure a satisfying transition.
Exit planning isn’t static. Revisit your plan regularly as circumstances evolve.
Exit Planning Relies on Strategy
Exit planning is about building long-term resilience and value. When done well, it supports day-to-day decision-making, aligns operations with vision, and creates flexibility for the future.
At Hantzmon Wiebel, our team’s advisory services help business owners design thoughtful, customized exit strategies that prioritize both value and purpose. Whether you're years away or already thinking about what's next, we’re here to help you navigate the path with confidence.
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Exit Planning can be difficult to navigate, but Hantzmon Wiebel is here to help. From valuation to succession strategy, our team delivers the insights you need to transition confidently. Learn more at https://www.hwllp.cpa/advisory.
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Disclaimer of Liability
Our firm provides the information in this article for general guidance only, and does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice or professional consulting of any kind. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal or other competent advisors. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional advisor who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. Tax articles in this blog are not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding accuracy-related penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided “as is,” with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
