Would your business keep running — or start crumbling — while you’re gone?

This isn’t a fantasy. It’s a test.
And it’s one of the clearest ways to see if your business is truly exit-ready.

 The “Vacation Test” Reveals the Truth

Most founders are still deeply involved in everything — approving estimates, calming angry customers, signing checks, chasing leads, putting out fires.

• That may feel normal, even necessary. But here’s the hard truth:
• If your business needs you to function, it’s not ready to sell.
• At least, not for the kind of price you want.

Buyers aren’t just purchasing your past success — they’re buying a machine that runs without the founder in the middle of every gear.

And the longer it takes for that machine to run on its own, the longer you’ll wait (or settle for less) when you try to exit.

Take the 30-Day Vacation Test

Ask yourself:

• Could leads still come in and get followed up on?
• Would your team know what to do without calling you?
• Are there clear processes in place for daily tasks?
• Could customers get help or service without delay?
• Would money still be collected and tracked accurately?

If any answer is “not really” — that’s your roadmap. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress toward independence.

Quick Win: Run a 3-Day Trial

Try stepping back for just 3 business days. Don’t check email. Don’t respond to team messages.

See what breaks. Then document and delegate.
Do that a few more times, and 30 days won’t seem so crazy.

Want help building a business that thrives without you?
Join the Exit Ready Circle for weekly coaching, tools, and support to get buyer-ready — and life-ready.