Exiting on Your Terms: How to Stay in Control of the Process

Picture this.

Trevor Stevenson-Platt

18 Aug 2025 — 3 min read

Picture this.

You’ve decided it’s time to sell your house. But instead of fixing the roof, trimming the garden, and planning where you’ll live next, you rush to put up a “For Sale” sign. Buyers walk in, spot the leaky pipes and clutter, and start making lowball offers. Suddenly, you’re not the one in control — they are.

That’s exactly what happens when business owners sell without a plan.

The truth is, selling your business is less about numbers on a spreadsheet and more about the story you tell, the risks you’ve already dealt with, and the clarity of what comes next. Just like selling a home, the outcome depends on preparation, positioning, and control.

Here’s how to keep the reins firmly in your hands.

Decide Where You’re Going Before You Sell

No one lists their home without knowing if they’re downsizing, relocating abroad, or moving somewhere bigger. That decision shapes every choice — the price you’ll accept, the timing, even the buyers you’ll consider.

Your business exit works the same way.

Do you want maximum cash on completion?
Do you want to stay involved for a while?
Or is protecting your team and legacy more important than the number on the cheque?

When you’re clear on your destination, the exit process bends around your goals — not the other way around.

Stage Your Business Like a Show Home

A house sells faster (and for more) when the garden’s tidy, the paint’s fresh, and buyers can picture themselves living there.

It’s the same with a business. Buyers are looking for risks to justify lowering their offer. But if you’ve already managed and mitigated those risks, you take away their excuses.

That means:

Reducing owner dependence so the business runs without you.
Building recurring revenue, like steady rental income.
Systemising processes so it feels turnkey — ready to hand over.

Set Your Own Timeline

Imagine listing your house without knowing when you want to move — you’d be at the mercy of buyers. It’s the same in business.

Too many owners wait until they’re tired, burnt out, or desperate for cash. Buyers sense that desperation instantly, and suddenly you’re the one dancing to their tune.

Instead, plan your timeline to exit:

Years before: start the exit planning process, reduce risks, build value, strengthen recurring revenue.
18 months before: polish your numbers and secure contracts.
12 months before: engage your exit planning team

When you own the clock, you own the deal.

Leverage Financial Strength

A seller with no mortgage and a prime property doesn’t need to move — they wait for the right offer. And buyers know it.

Your business works the same way. Strong margins and healthy cash flow send a signal:

“We’re not desperate. If you want this business, here’s the price.”

That financial strength gives you leverage. You can walk away — and nothing spooks a buyer more than a seller who doesn’t have to sell.

Bring in the Right Team

Would you sell your house without a solicitor or estate agent? Of course not.

Selling your business without the right team is even riskier. Your accountant, lawyer, and exit planner are more than advisors — they’re your shield. They protect your interests, add value, spot hidden traps, and keep you focused on your goals.

Think of them as your scaffolding. They hold everything steady when buyers start leaning hard.

Don’t Forget Life After the Sale

Here’s the mistake too many owners make: they obsess over the deal but forget to plan life afterwards. It’s like selling your house with no idea where you’ll live next — you end up unsettled, maybe even regretting the sale.

Ask yourself: