What Is Exit Planning—and Why It’s Really a Growth Strategy, Not an Exit Strategy

When most business owners hear the phrase exit planning, their first thought is: “I’m not ready to sell my business.”

But here’s the truth—exit planning isn’t about selling your company tomorrow. It’s about building a stronger, more valuable, more transferable business today.

Exit planning is really good business strategy. It’s a method for accelerating growth, reducing risk, and aligning your business, personal, and financial goals. Whether you plan to exit in two years or twenty, an exit plan ensures you’re always prepared for opportunity—or the unexpected.

The Big Misconception

Too many owners believe exit planning only matters when it’s time to sell. According to the 2023 National State of Owner Readiness Report, 75% of business owners want to exit within the next 10 years—yet most are not prepared when that time comes.
That lack of preparation often means leaving money on the table, delaying retirement, or even losing control of the business transition altogether.

Exit planning flips that script. It integrates value creation and succession strategy into everyday decision-making, so your business is ready—no matter when opportunity knocks.

The Value Acceleration Methodology™

At the center of modern exit planning is a proven framework called the Value Acceleration Methodology™. Developed by Christopher Snider and taught through the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) program, this process helps owners increase enterprise value and align goals across three key areas:

Business – Strengthen operations, systems, and leadership.
Personal – Clarify your vision for life beyond the business.
Financial – Ensure your personal wealth and business value support one another.

These three pillars—known as the Three Legs of the Stool™—must be balanced for a successful exit. If one leg is weak, the whole plan can topple.

Why Exit Planning Is Actually Growth Planning

When implemented correctly, exit planning leads to:

Higher business value: By improving systems, people, and processes (the 4Cs: Human, Structural, Customer, and Social Capital).
Increased profitability: Owners who plan early typically see 2–5x more value upon transition.
Stronger leadership: Building a team that can operate without you increases both freedom and enterprise worth.
Reduced risk: From financial concentration to customer dependency, planning helps mitigate deal killers long before a buyer sees them.

In short—exit planning is a blueprint for running your business better.

The New Definition of Exit Planning

Exit Planning = Business Strategy + Value Growth + Owner Freedom.

You don’t wait until you’re ready to leave to start building value. You plan early, grow smart, and ensure your business can thrive—with or without you at the helm.

That’s not just good planning—it’s good business.