Most founders believe if someone came along with the right number, they could hand over the keys and ride into the sunset.

But here’s the part no one tells you:

Buyers don’t pay for potential. They pay for performance — without you.

The Trap: You’re Still Too Important

If you’re still the one everyone turns to for decisions, answers, or approvals — congrats, you’re the heart of the business.

But that also means you’re the biggest bottleneck.

From a buyer’s point of view, that’s a red flag. If the owner disappears and the business slows down (or crashes), they’re not buying a business — they’re buying a risk.

Think about it like this: Would you buy a car that only runs when the original owner is in the driver’s seat?

Neither would they.

Quick Framework: The “Vacation Test”

Here’s a simple way to gauge how exit-ready you really are:

Ask yourself:

1. Could your team handle the day-to-day if you left for 30 days — without calling you?
2. Would new revenue still come in, or would things stall?
3. Are your systems and processes written down, or just in your head?
4. Could someone step in, read your playbook, and run the show?

If you said no or eh… maybe? to any of these, that’s your next area to improve.

A Quick Win You Can Do Today

Start a Google Doc called: “How We Do Things Around Here.”

Each week, add just one thing — how you do payroll, how a deal closes, how to onboard a client, etc.

Don’t overthink it. This doesn’t have to be fancy. Just get it out of your head and onto the page.

In 3 months, you’ll have a starter playbook that shows buyers (and your team) that your business runs on systems — not just you.

Want help getting exit-ready, one step at a time?

Join a community of owners inside the Exit Ready Circle — with weekly get things done sessions, Q&A, and simple systems to prep your business for a smooth, profitable exit.