Exit planning is one of those necessary business must-dos that, for many entrepreneurs, quietly lives on their to-do list. It often feels like a future problem, especially when day-to-day business demands take priority.
But a genuinely clear exit plan is about more than selling a company. It’s about having a complete picture of what you own, how flexible those assets are, and how they might support you if your plans shift.
Though most founders naturally first consider shares, customers, or intellectual property, other assets can be key to a smooth exit. Some of these are things you may not have thought about until they become pressing.
Why Is Exit Planning for Entrepreneurs So Important?
Looking Beyond the Business Itself
When people refer to how to successfully leave a business, they generally mean valuation, buyers, or succession. These are all important. But many business owners also have personal assets that can influence how and when they leave.
Property is a typical example. Founders own residential, buy-to-let or commercial properties often tied to their business journey. The assets can provide some security, but they can also limit flexibility if they are challenging to sell or manage.
When you exit or pivot, cash is king. If a property no longer fits your life, selling it the old-fashioned way can be slow. Some business owners strip their assets to the studs to turn them into cash, and others turn to a snappier alternative, like we buy any property to turn liquidity around faster, speed through, and move on.
Other potential assets to consider may include loans for which you are a personal guarantor, wholly owned equipment, or side investments that require your time and focus. Each can either facilitate your departure or complicate it, depending on your level of preparation.
Liquidity, Simplicity, and Peace of Mind
A strong exit plan is not only about maximising value. It is also about lowering stress and staying open to possibilities. An exit is already more than a simple task; any long-term revenue stream or asset you need to sell, or any that psychologically burdens you, will make the exit harder than it has to be.
Liquidity is key. You have cash or assets that can be sold quickly. This allows you to breathe and make decisions on your own time. This is particularly true if you are stepping away sooner than you said you would, or if you are doing so in response to a change of heart based on personal considerations.
Simplicity also matters. For many entrepreneurs, consolidating their assets before an exit allows them to consider better what’s next. This may involve selling unused equipment, closing old accounts, or reconsidering property commitments that no longer support a clear purpose.
At the very least, that is what exit planning is supposed to do. You can move forward with confidence, whether you decide to sell, scale back, or launch something new.
Exit planning does not need to be complicated or scary. It begins with taking the inventory of assets owned, not just the business.
By thinking proactively and reviewing assets, such as your property, entrepreneurs can create an exit plan that is both realistic and flexible. Plan, and you have more control, more options and a happier trajectory when the time comes.
