Running a Business Is a Lot Like Raising Kids—And That’s Why You Shouldn’t Do It Alone
Feeling like you have to know everything as a business owner? You’re not alone. This article draws a powerful parallel between parenting and entrepreneurship—revealing why the smartest leaders ask for help, not hide from it. Discover how to build your support team, reduce overwhelm, and strengthen your business using the CLEAN™ framework.
Is Your Business Exit-Ready? Use the CLEAN Scorecard to Find Out.
Most business owners say they’ll sell when they’re ready. But the truth is, it’s not about when you’re ready—it’s about when your business is. That’s where the CLEAN Scorecard comes in. CLEAN stands for: Cash Flow Leadership Earnings Assets Next Steps. It’s a simple but powerful framework we use to help business owners assess how […]
The Financial Truth That Makes or Breaks Your Business Sale
Why “consistent or explainable” financials can add millions to your valuation Imagine walking into a buyer’s conference room where your financial statements are spread across the table. The first question they ask isn’t about your revenue growth—it’s about why your costs jumped 15% last quarter while sales only grew 8%. This moment can make or […]
💼 Are You Making the Million-Dollar Mistake?
Why Most Business Owners Leave Money on the Table — And How to Avoid It John had built a thriving business over 30 years. He assumed that when the time came to sell, he could name his price and walk away comfortably. But when the valuation report hit the table, the number was a punch […]
💰 C Is for Cash Flow: Your Business Might Be Profitable—But Still Unsellable
Part 2 of 6: CLEAN™ Exit-Readiness Series Missed Part 1? We introduced the CLEAN™ framework and scoring system for exit readiness. “We were always focused on our profit and loss statement. But cash flow was not a regularly discussed topic. It was as if we were driving along, watching only the speedometer, when in fact […]
🧭 L Is for Leadership: If You Disappear, Does Your Business Disappear Too?
Part 3 of 6: CLEAN™ Exit-Readiness Series Catching up? We’re covering the CLEAN™ framework: Cash Flow ✅ Leadership ⬅️ Earnings • Assets • Next Steps Most entrepreneurs wear a hundred hats—and that’s part of what makes them successful. But when it’s time to sell, that hands-on leadership style can kill a deal. The uncomfortable truth: […]
💸 E Is for Earnings: Not Just How Much You Make—But How You Make It
Part 4 of 6: CLEAN™ Exit-Readiness Series Series recap: Cash Flow ✅ Leadership ✅ Earnings ⬅️ Assets • Next Steps When owners think earnings, they think tax returns or net profit. But buyers look beyond numbers to assess earning quality and revenue predictability. 💬 “Where your money comes from matters more than how much you […]
🏗 A Is for Assets: What You Think You’re Selling Might Not Be What Buyers Want
Part 5 of 6: CLEAN™ Exit-Readiness Series Series progress: Cash Flow ✅ Leadership ✅ Earnings ✅ Assets ⬅️ Next Steps Most owners assume assets—equipment, real estate, IP—automatically add value in a sale. The uncomfortable truth: Assets only add value if they’re owned, transferable, serviceable, and relevant to the buyer’s future. ⚠️ The $5,000 Domain That […]
🚀 N Is for Next Steps: You’re Not Exit-Ready Without a Clear Future
Part 6 of 6: CLEAN™ Exit-Readiness Series Series completion: Cash Flow ✅ Leadership ✅ Earnings ✅ Assets ✅ Next Steps ⬅️ You’ve built something great. But here’s the question too many owners ignore: “What happens after the deal?” In CLEAN™, Next Steps isn’t about your retirement. It’s about whether your business can succeed without you—and […]
CLEAN Your Business Before You Sell
You clean your car before you sell it. So, why don’t you CLEAN your business? Your business is probably worth many times what your car is worth, and, working on CLEANing your business could significantly increase the value of your company.