Step 1 provides and exit process overview and helps you explore why are you getting out and what you hope to gain. You face many options when it comes to exiting your business, so your reason for exiting, who you hope to sell to, and the return you expect to make help shape the type of exit. Step 1 includes an "Income Needs Assessment" spreadsheet and a reference document on bankruptcy types.

Step 2 tackles timing considerations and aims to help you evaluate the question, "Is now the right time?" Step 2 includes a "House in Order" checklist and an educational document on timing.

While many owners start the selling process by listing with a broker, they likely haven´t considered all the options. Have you considered an "inside sale," i.e., to family or key employees? Step 3 guides you through your different options and includes educational documents and surveys to help you ascertain your current preferences.

Tax consequences are critical when selling your business and are highly dependent upon your business entity type and what you are specifically selling, i.e., stock or assets. Step 4 provides several educational documents to educate each step of the way and in-depth questionnaires that collect the critical information necessary to determine your optimal path.

There are many different methods and tools to estimate the value of your business, some of them available for free on the Internet. But do they do the job? Step 5 is a course on business valuation that includes important information you should know before you either do-it-yourself or hire a professional. Includes "Valuation Rule of Thumb" educational document and a "Deal Analysis" spreadsheet.

Step 6 includes 6 sections detailing the issues, processes, and steps in selling your business:

The step provides comprehensive educational material for each component, key process document templates, and makes recommendations for how and when to seek help from an advisor for a specific task.

The process of closing your business is only one part of your life affected by your decision to exit. Have you considered the others? Step 7 wraps up the business process part and also guides you through personal evaluations, including family financials, retirement planning, and the search for what to do next. Documents include a Business Shutdown Checklist.