Commandment 4 - Don’t be the Business
The 10 Commandments of Selling Your Business: Commandment 4 - Don’t Be the Business
“If your business can’t run without you — it’s not ready to sell.”
Many owners take pride in being the heartbeat of their company. But when it comes time to sell, that strength becomes a weakness. Owner dependence is the #1 reason deals fall apart or sell at steep discounts.
The Problem
When every key relationship, decision, and process runs through you, buyers see risk — not stability. They worry about what happens when you step away. The more essential you are to daily operations, the less transferable your business becomes — and the lower your valuation.
The Truth
To build a business that sells for a premium, you must build one that can thrive without you. That means:
Building a strong management team capable of independent decision-making.
Systemizing operations so success isn’t tied to a single person.
Creating processes and accountability structures that outlast the owner.
Freedom — and transferable value — begin when your business no longer depends on you.
At Exit Advisors Group, we help owners design businesses that run on systems, not individuals, ensuring a smooth, high-value exit when the time comes.
