The craft · manual 07For owners 18–36 months out from a real conversationPart of the operator manual library

Practical manual

Prepare your business for a sale

Decide what you want after the sale and what the business needs before a buyer takes over.

Prepare for a sale Business Coach vs Exit Planner
Owner doing pre-exit work.

Worksheets and guides

Plan life after the salePrepare the business to run without youQuestions before hiring an exit planner

Before you start

Work through your personal plans and the business information a buyer will need. You can do this alongside an exit planner, accountant, and lawyer; you do not need to finish it before asking for help.

A possible timeline

Record your preferred timing and what could change it.

Personal and family plans

Discuss the change with the people whose lives or ownership interests it affects.

Reliable business records

Review financial and company records with the relevant professionals.

A confidentiality plan

Agree who can see information and how it will be shared.

Prepare for a sale

  1. 01

    Describe life after the sale

    Write what you want to do, what work you want to keep, and what you want to stop. Revisit the plan as the possible transaction becomes clearer.

    • What would an ordinary week look like?
    • Who else needs to discuss this plan?
  2. 02

    Review your financial requirements

    Work with qualified financial and tax advisers to understand the proceeds and ongoing commitments you would need to consider. A headline sale price is not the same as money available after a transaction.

    • Which costs and taxes need professional review?
    • Which assumptions are still uncertain?
  3. 03

    Set your priorities for a deal

    List the terms and responsibilities you would want to discuss with your advisers, such as timing, continued involvement, staff, and payment structure.

    • Which priorities are essential to you?
    • What trade-offs would you consider?
  4. 04

    Reduce dependence on you

    List customer relationships, approvals, knowledge, and work that currently depend on you. Decide what can be shared, documented, or handed over.

    • What stops when you are absent?
    • Who could take responsibility, and what would they need?
  5. 05

    Review the financial records

    Ask your accountant to check consistency, related-party transactions, and items a buyer may question. Discuss any proposed changes with the relevant advisers.

    • Can the figures be supported by records?
    • Which items need explanation?
  6. 06

    Organize documents for review

    Prepare a controlled folder for company documents, contracts, intellectual property records, financial information, and other material your advisers identify.

    • Are important documents missing or outdated?
    • Who is authorized to access the folder?
  7. 07

    Understand valuation and buyer options

    Use qualified advice and relevant current transaction evidence to understand the range of possible outcomes. Keep estimates separate from an offer or a guaranteed sale price.

    • Are the comparisons relevant to this business?
    • What could change the terms or valuation?

Use the worksheets

Plan life after the sale

Questions about your time, work, family, and responsibilities after a sale.

Read more →

Prepare the business to run without you

Identify work and relationships that depend on the owner.

Read more →

Questions before hiring an exit planner

Prepare for a discussion about the business, timing, and the help you need.

Read more →

When to get help

This manual does not provide legal, tax, investment, or transaction advice. Engage qualified professionals when those questions arise. Preparing records does not guarantee a buyer, price, or completed sale.

Business Coach vs Exit Planner

Work with Stan

Monthly coaching, one focused session, or quoted work. Scope and fees are agreed before work begins.

See work options

$1,500/month 1:1 business work · Ask about your situation