---
title: "Entrepreneur's Tip: Always Keep Your Exit in Mind"
description: Entrepreneur's must understand they are not the business. Every entrepreneur has an expiration date, their businesses do not.
---

[![women's business coach](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/header.jpg)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/)

Shared Leadership for the Future

![](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/file-15570302-png/images/people.png)

# Women's Business Blog

# Entrepreneur's Tip: Always Keep Your Exit in Mind

Posted by Vicki Donlan on Wed, Sep 15, 2010 @ 06:09 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

The first lesson every [entrepreneur](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/Womens-Leadership-Consulting/) must learn is : YOU are NOT your business! It is difficult when you have put everything you have - blood, sweat, tears and money - into getting your company up and running to think about it separately, but you must if you want to grow a successful business long term. You see - You are mortal and have an expiration date. Your business does not and should not die just because you must. With this fact in mind, every [entrepreneur](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/Womens-Leadership-Consulting/) MUST always keep a potential exit in mind.

How you do this is important to your current and long term success. First, every decision you make must be a win for the business rather than a win for you. For example, when deciding on a new hire, ask yourself if the candidate will be a value add for the business not just for you. Too many [entrepreneurs](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/Vicki-Donlan-Bio/) hire someone whom they like and have similar characteristics. Your company does not require two of you. What you need are team members that complement your skills. The best case scenario is to find a key employee who can, at a moment's notice, step up to lead operations - which in the early stage of your business you are handling along with everything else.

You see, the first question a buyer will ask about is the talent and commitment of your employees. Having someone who is in the position to lead the business for a new owner puts more value on your side of the equation....yes, more money in your pocket. Remember, any potential buyer must already see you separated from your business. If they don't than the fear of losing you when they buy the business will trump any thoughts of finalizing a deal.

Second, when making the decision to merge with another company or purchase a similar business to enlarge your organization make sure that the combined companies are worth more than they are individually. It sounds obvious, but too often entrepreneurs are so excited to expand that they make the mistake of joining forces only to find out that together the businesses are worth less. This is a simple matter of creating a balance sheet that is more than what each business is doing on its own. If the combined organization will have economies of scale in operations but at the same time be able to expand sales than the purchase more than likely will aid in the value and in the likelihood of an eventually exit. If, on the other hand, the combined businesses do not provide the opportunity to expand sales and cancel each other out than beware...the new entity will not benefit your exit strategy even if it does make you feel more important.

Every decision you make in business will affect how the company develops as an organization. Like a baby, your business must crawl before it walks and walk before it runs. But also like a child it needs independence eventually to thrive. Always keep your exit in mind.....

### Subscribe by Email

[**EvanCarmichael.com**](http://www.evancarmichael.com/Entrepreneur-Blog-Network/)

### Browse by Tag

- [advocate (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/advocate)
- [balance (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/balance)
- [be heard (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/be-heard)
- [bias (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/bias)
- [body (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/body)
- [brand (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/brand)
- [brand you (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/brand-you)
- [branding (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/branding)
- [business (19)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/business)
- [business coach (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/business-coach)
- [business cycles busineswoman (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/business-cycles-busineswoman)
- [business owner (11)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/business-owner)
- [business owners (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/business-owners)
- [business person (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/business-person)
- [business plan (3)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/business-plan)
- [business woman in business (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/business-woman-in-business)
- [businesswoman (10)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/businesswoman)
- [businesswomen (3)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/businesswomen)
- [busness (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/busness)
- [caoching (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/caoching)
- [career (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/career)
- [CEO (5)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/ceo)
- [challenge (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/challenge)
- [challenger (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/challenger)
- [champion (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/champion)
- [choice (3)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/choice)
- [coaching (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/coaching)
- [communication (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/communication)
- [competitor (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/competitor)
- [confidence (12)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/confidence)
- [confident (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/confident)
- [consultant (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/consultant)
- [conversation (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/conversation)
- [corporate (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/corporate)
- [corporate politics (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/corporate-politics)
- [corporate woman (3)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/corporate-woman)
- [corporate women (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/corporate-women)
- [customer (3)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/customer)
- [customer experience (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/customer-experience)
- [customer satisfaction (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/customer-satisfaction)
- [customer service (4)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/customer-service)
- [decision maker (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/decision-maker)
- [decision making (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/decision-making)
- [delegate (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/delegate)
- [diversity (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/diversity)
- [economy (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/economy)
- [emotion (3)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/emotion)
- [employees (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/employees)
- [endgame (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/endgame)
- [entrepeneur (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/entrepeneur)
- [entrepreneur (41)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/entrepreneur)
- [entrepreneurial dreams (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/entrepreneurial-dreams)
- [entrepreneurial success (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/entrepreneurial-success)
- [entrepreneurial woman (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/entrepreneurial-woman)
- [entrepreneurs (35)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/entrepreneurs)
- [entrepreneurs. entrepreneur (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/entrepreneurs-entrepreneur)
- [entrepreneurship (3)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/entrepreneurship)
- [equal pay (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/equal-pay)
- [equality (3)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/equality)
- [excit strategy (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/excit-strategy)
- [exit strategy (5)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/exit-strategy)
- [experience (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/experience)
- [failure (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/failure)
- [fearless (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/fearless)
- [female brain (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/female-brain)
- [female business owner (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/female-business-owner)
- [female employee (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/female-employee)
- [female manager (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/female-manager)
- [female role models (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/female-role-models)
- [feminism (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/feminism)
- [finances (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/finances)
- [financial independence (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/financial-independence)
- [freedom (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/freedom)
- [funding (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/funding)
- [gender equity (3)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/gender-equity)
- [glass ceiling (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/glass-ceiling)
- [goal settingm confidence (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/goal-settingm-confidence)
- [goals (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/goals)
- [gratitude (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/gratitude)
- [gravitas (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/gravitas)
- [harmony (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/harmony)
- [having it all (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/having-it-all)
- [healthy woman (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/healthy-woman)
- [her turn (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/her-turn)
- [holiday stress (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/holiday-stress)
- [home-based business (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/home-based-business)
- [income and expense (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/income-and-expense)
- [indecisive (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/indecisive)
- [influence (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/influence)
- [influencer (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/influencer)
- [intuition (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/intuition)
- [isolation (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/isolation)
- [journey (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/journey)
- [knowledge (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/knowledge)
- [languagge (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/languagge)
- [leader (4)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/leader)
- [leaders (3)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/leaders)
- [leadership (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/leadership)
- [leaership (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/leaership)
- [lessons (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/lessons)
- [loneliness (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/loneliness)
- [management (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/management)
- [marketing (4)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/marketing)
- [mentor (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/mentor)
- [mentors (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/mentors)
- [mentorship (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/mentorship)
- [millennial women (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/millennial-women)
- [millennials (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/millennials)
- [mind and spirit (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/mind-and-spirit)
- [money (3)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/money)
- [natural in business (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/natural-in-business)
- [negotiation (3)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/negotiation)
- [networking (4)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/networking)
- [networks (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/networks)
- [now (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/now)
- [online business (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/online-business)
- [owner (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/owner)
- [partner (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/partner)
- [partnership (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/partnership)
- [pay equity (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/pay-equity)
- [planning (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/planning)
- [power (3)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/power)
- [powerful woman (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/powerful-woman)
- [product or service (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/product-or-service)
- [profits (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/profits)
- [promotion (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/promotion)
- [relationship skills (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/relationship-skills)
- [revenues (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/revenues)
- [risk vs. reward (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/risk-vs-reward)
- [role models (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/role-models)
- [sales (4)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/sales)
- [seat at the table (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/seat-at-the-table)
- [self confidence (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/self-confidence)
- [self esteem (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/self-esteem)
- [self promotion (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/self-promotion)
- [self-employment (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/self-employment)
- [selling (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/selling)
- [sexual stereotypes (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/sexual-stereotypes)
- [small business (44)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/small-business)
- [small business owner (28)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/small-business-owner)
- [small business woman (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/small-business-woman)
- [small business women (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/small-business-women)
- [social media (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/social-media)
- [somen in business (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/somen-in-business)
- [start a business (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/start-a-business)
- [starting a business (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/starting-a-business)
- [startup (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/startup)
- [strategy (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/strategy)
- [stress (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/stress)
- [success (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/success)
- [team (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/team)
- [time management (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/time-management)
- [u (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/u)
- [urgency (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/urgency)
- [value your work (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/value-your-work)
- [value your worth (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/value-your-worth)
- [visionary (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/visionary)
- [voice (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/voice)
- [woman (3)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/woman)
- [woman business owner (5)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/woman-business-owner)
- [woman ceo entrepreneur (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/woman-ceo-entrepreneur)
- [woman entrepreneur (89)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/woman-entrepreneur)
- [woman entrepreneurs (4)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/woman-entrepreneurs)
- [woman in business (46)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/woman-in-business)
- [woman of substance (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/woman-of-substance)
- [woman owned small business (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/woman-owned-small-business)
- [woman president (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/woman-president)
- [woman with corage (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/woman-with-corage)
- [woman's leadership (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/womans-leadership)
- [woman's small business (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/womans-small-business)
- [woman-owned business (6)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/woman-owned-business)
- [wome's business (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/womes-business)
- [women (22)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women)
- [women and change (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-and-change)
- [women and men (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-and-men)
- [women bosses (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-bosses)
- [women business owners (5)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-business-owners)
- [women employees (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-employees)
- [women entrepreneur (6)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-entrepreneur)
- [women entrepreneurs (174)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-entrepreneurs)
- [women in business (120)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-in-business)
- [women in community (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-in-community)
- [women in politics (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-in-politics)
- [women in small business (5)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-in-small-business)
- [women in sports (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-in-sports)
- [women in the workplace (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-in-the-workplace)
- [women in transition (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-in-transition)
- [women leaders (10)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-leaders)
- [women of power (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-of-power)
- [women on corporate boards (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-on-corporate-boards)
- [women small business owners (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-small-business-owners)
- [women small businessowners (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-small-businessowners)
- [women's business (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/womens-business)
- [women's health (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/womens-health)
- [women's leadership (7)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/womens-leadership)
- [women's rights (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/womens-rights)
- [women-owned businesses (2)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/women-owned-businesses)
- [womens history (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/womens-history)
- [work-life balance (1)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/work-life-balance)
- [working woman (4)](https://vickidonlan.hs-sites.com/womens-business-blog/topic/working-woman)

### Most Popular Posts

© 2016 www.vickidonlan.com