117 | Mastering Business Exit Planning: Building a Thriving, Independent Enterprise with Laurie Barkman

"Price is what you pay, value is what you get." - Laurie Barkman

Are you struggling to see what your exit plan is in your business? Today, my guest and I are unlocking the secrets to building a business that thrives without you at the helm!

Join us as we chat with Laurie Barkman, a veteran in business transitions and exits, who shares invaluable lessons from her journey, including her tenure as the CEO of a $100 million company acquired by a Fortune 50 giant. 

Laurie unpacks the importance of balancing hustle culture with creating sustainable systems, and why starting exit planning early can significantly enhance your business's value. As the Business Transition Sherpa, Laurie provides key strategies to ensure your enterprise remains resilient through economic downturns and pandemics while keeping growth on track.

In this episode of That Big CEO Energy, you’ll learn:

• Importance of Independence: Laurie emphasizes that a successful business should operate independently of its owner to enhance its value and attractiveness to potential buyers.
• Balancing Hustle and Sustainability: Learn how to navigate the balance between the 24/7 hustle culture and creating sustainable systems that allow your business to thrive without you.
• Exit Planning: Laurie shares why planning for an exit from the beginning is crucial for long-term success and how her Sherpa framework helps business owners transition smoothly.

Learn how to navigate the complexities of business valuation and why your business needs to operate independently of you to maximize market value. Whether you’re a solopreneur looking to scale or a seasoned owner planning your next move, Laurie’s insights on strategic planning and personal transition will guide you in making informed, regret-free decisions for your business's future.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

2:15 - Building a Business Without You

5:45 - Balancing Hustle and Sustainability

9:30 - Exit Planning

13:20 - Transitioning from Job to Asset

17:10 - Strategic Growth

21:05 - External Challenges and Opportunities

24:50 - Strategic Planning for Business Transition

28:30 - Business Valuation

32:15 - Team-Based Model for Solopreneurs

36:40 - Resources Mentioned

38:20 - Special Offers

39:15 - Connect with Lori Barkman

40:00 - Call to Action

Connect with Laurie Barkma