BUSINESS EXIT PLANNING FOR OWNERS LOOKING TO PREPARE FOR A SUCCESSFUL EXIT
75% of business owners regret selling within 1 year. You don’t have to.
A confidential, 12-month mastermind for established business owners ($2M+ revenue) who want to prepare for exit - or discover they’d rather stay and run it differently.
Either way, you’ll be ready.
Most owners aren’t financially OR personally ready when they ext.
They don’t know their valuation.
Their business depends on them.
They’re burned out and think selling will fix it.
It doesn’t. It just exposes it.
The Exit Readiness Mastermind gives you a proven roadmap to transform a owner-dependent business into a valuable, transferable asset - while preparing you personally for whatever comes next.
You’ll have options, not obligations.
Program Confidentiality
Chatham House Rule Enforced
Your business details stay confidential.
No public attribution.
Industry-Exclusive Cohorts
No competitors in your group.
Owner-Only Participation
Your team won’t know unless you tell them.
We never publish your information.
Based on the Value Builder System - proven and used by over 80,000 businesses worldwide.
30 minutes. No pressure. Complete privacy.
Build a business that gives you options:
exit proudly, stay differently, or keep growing.
Here’s what most exit advisors won’t tell you:
The same strategies that make your business sellable also make it enjoyable to own.
When you build systems that run without you, create a leadership team that executes independently, and generate predictable cash flow - you don’t just prepare for exit.
You gain freedom.
Maybe you’ll sell in 2 years. Maybe in 10. Maybe you’ll discover that once your business doesn’t depend on you, you actually want to keep running it - just differently.
The Exit Readiness Mastermind prepares you for whatever you choose.
Participants typically experience 1 of 3 outcomes
Exit Proudly
Transform your business, significantly increase valuation, and execute a successful exit within 2-5 years - with pride, not regret.
Stay Strategically
Discover that once the business runs without you, ownership becomes enjoyable again. You stay, but on your terms - working less, earning more, and with real freedom.
Scale Further
Use your newfound systems and increased value to grow bigger, bring in partners, transition to family, or build your next venture.
All three outcomes start with the same work: building a valuable, transferable business.
The difference? You’ll have the clarity and confidence to choose your path - not feel forced into a decision you’ll regret.
Explore Your Options. 30 Minutes. No pressure.
The Truth About Business Exits: It’s Not a 12-Month Sprint
Whether you exit in 2 years, 10 years, or decide to stay indefinitely, the best time to start preparing is right now.
Phase 1: Preparation
1-2 years —> You are here
This is what the Exit Readiness Mastermind covers.
Phase 2: Active Negotiations
6 - 12 months
Most business owners wait until they’re ready to sell before thinking about exit readiness. By then, it’s too late to maximize value - and too late to decide you’d rather stay.
The Exit Readiness Mastermind is Phase 1 of your exit journey - the preparation phases where you systematically increase your company’s value, reduce buyer risk, and position yourself for maximum optionality.
Phase 3: Transition Phase
3-7 years
What happens in the 12-month preparation phase?
You’ll focus on increasing the 8 key drivers of company value that both acquirers evaluate AND that make your business more profitable and enjoyable to run.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Clean books, predictable cash flow, strong margins that attract buyers or fund your lifestyle
RECURRING REVENUE
Predictable income streams that acquirers pay premiums for
GROWTH POTENTIAL
Documented growth strategy that works beyond you personally
MONOPOLY CONTROL
Unique market position that commands premium pricing
SWITZERLAND STRUCTURE
Revenue diversification so no single person (including you) controls everything
CUSTOMER SCORE
Loyal customers who stay because of the company, not just you
VALUATION TEETER-TOTTER
Balance cash vs equity to maximize your net proceeds
HUB & SPOKE
Systems and processes that run without your daily involvement
These drivers have been validated across 80,000+ business assessments worldwide through the Value Builder System.
See where you stand on these 8 drivers and learn how you compare to your industry.
This mastermind is designated for business owners who:
Lead established businesses generating $2M+ in annual revenue with momentum and ambition to scale further
Are highly motivated, tech-aware, and personally accountable - you complete the pre-work, show up prepared, and implement what you learn
Don’t have a formal exit plan and aren’t sure what your company is worth or how to increase its value
Want measurable progress and premium valuation within the next 12-36 months as you prepare for an eventual exit
Is the Exit Readiness Mastermind Right for you?
Not a fit if you…
Won’t commit to a 12-month program (this is a marathon, not a sprint)
Prefer theory to action and won’t do the implementation work
Are pre-revenue, a solopreneur without a team, or under $2M in revenue (contact us for other programs)
Need to sell in the next 6 months due to a crisi (this program is for strategic exits, not emergency exits)
What You’ll Receive in the 12-Month Exit Readiness Mastermind
Component 1: Value Builder Score™ Assessment
What It Is:
A comprehensive 45-question assessment that evaluates your business across the 8 key drivers of company value. Used by 80,000+ businesses worldwide, this assessment gives you a clear, benchmarked view of where you stand.
What You'll Receive:
Personalized Value Builder Score Report with scores across all 8 drivers
Industry benchmarking showing how you compare to similar businesses
Prioritized recommendations for which drivers to focus on first
Estimated valuation range based on your current performance
Why This Matters:
You can't improve what you don't measure. This assessment tells you exactly where your business is strong—and where it's leaving value on the table.
Component 2: Personal Readiness Score (PREScore™)
What It Is:
A self-assessment that evaluates YOUR readiness to exit across four critical dimensions: Future Vision, Flexibility, Personal Detachment, and Team Involvement.
What You'll Receive:
Personal Readiness Score showing strengths and gaps
Reflection prompts to clarify your "what's next" vision
Freedom Point Calculator to determine your financial exit threshold
Guidance on building identity outside the business
Why This Matters:
75% of owners regret selling within a year—not because of the deal, but because they weren't personally ready. This assessment helps you avoid that trap.
Component 3: Video Training Modules
What It Is:
12 comprehensive video modules (60-90 minutes each) breaking down each Value Driver with frameworks, examples, and implementation strategies.
8 Drivers of Value & Core Video Topics:
Financial Performance — Clean books, consistent profitability, EBITDA optimization
Growth Potential — Market positioning, scalability, addressable market expansion
Switzerland Structure — Reducing owner dependency, building leadership teams
Valuation Teeter-Totter — Balancing cash flow today vs. equity value tomorrow
Hub & Spoke — Documenting processes, creating standard operating procedures
Customer Satisfaction — Retention strategies, NPS, reducing churn
Recurring Revenue — Subscription models, retainers, predictable income streams
Monopoly Control — Differentiation, defensible moats, unique market position
Format:
Video lessons with slides and examples
Downloadable workbooks for each module
Action checklists to implement immediately
Component 4: Peer Mastermind Sessions (2 hours/month)
This is where the true transformation and ‘aha’ moments happen.
Each month, you’ll join a confidential, live session with your curated peer cohort (maximum 12 owners) to:
Dive deep into 1 of the 8 value drivers with structured curriculum
Share challenges and receive strategic input from other owners facing similar issues
Hold each other accountable for measured monthly progress and action commitments
Learn from real-world case studies and guest speakers on critical topics like “how to balance lowering taxes with seller discretionary income,” “things to know about deal structures,” and “what is the role and timing for a broker or M&A advisor.”
What makes this different:
Industry-exclusive cohorts - no direct competitors in your group ever
Owner-only participation - complete confidentially, your team won’t know unless you tell them
Chatham House Rules enforced - what’s shared stays protected
No recordings - creates psychological safety for brutally honest conversations
Action-focused, not theory-based - every session ends with personal commitments
Between Sessions: Implementation & Support
You’ll complete:
Value Builder modules videos (30-60 minutes each) introducing each value driver
Reflection exercises to apply the concepts directly to your business situation
Weekly micro-actions that reduce owner dependence, strengthen margins, document processes, and build transferable value
Access to private Teams channel with session summaries, discussion prompts, resources, and peer support between calls
Component 5: Quarterly Scaling Up Workshops
In addition to the monthly Value Driver sessions, you'll participate in four intensive workshops focused on the Scaling Up framework's four key decisions:
Workshop 1: STRATEGY (Month 3)
Define your unique market position and strategic differentiators. Translate customer insights into a clear, executable roadmap that your team can deliver—and competitors can't easily copy.
Value Drivers:
Workshop 2: PEOPLE (Month 5)
Map out your leadership team and accountability structure. Create a functional org chart where roles are clear and the right people are in the right seats—reducing your business's dependence on you.
Value Drivers:
Workshop 3: EXECUTION (Month 7)
Build the systems that allow your business to run predictably without constant firefighting. Implement meeting rhythms, priority management, and process documentation.
Value Drivers:
Workshop 4: CASH (Month 9)
Master cash flow forecasting and the power of 1% to strengthen margins and improve financial performance to maximize valuation.
Value Drivers:
These workshops ensure you're not just building for exit—you're building operational excellence that makes the journey enjoyable.
Component 6: Mid-Program Progress Snapshot & Extra Tools
Review your personalized progress tracker showing measurable improvements across all 8 value drivers.
What It Is:
A complete toolkit of frameworks, spreadsheets, and templates to guide your implementation.
Included Tools (beyond the videos, exercises, & Ebooks for each Value Driver):
Exit Readiness Checklist — Step-by-step roadmap with priorities
Buyer Screening Matrix — Evaluate cultural fit, values alignment, vision continuity
Financial Cleanup Checklist — Prepare your books for buyer scrutiny
SOP Documentation Template — Systematize your key processes
Recurring Revenue Model Canvas — Design subscription or retainer offerings
Why These Matter:
Exit planning isn't just theory—it's execution. These tools give you the exact frameworks used by the most successful exits.
By the End of 12 Months, Your Business Will Be:
-
A business that runs profitably without your daily involvement - the #1 factor buyers pay premiums for AND the key to enjoying ownership again.
-
Clear roles with documented processes and simple scorecards so anyone can step in and succeed - whether that's an acquirer, your leadership team, or a family successor.
-
Stronger margins, shorter cash conversion cycles, and audit-ready financials that pass due diligence scrutiny - or fund the lifestyle you want without selling.
-
A realistic understanding of your options: which type of buyers would be interested, what your business is worth, and what deal structures make sense for your goals - giving you the confidence to choose your path.
What do buyers actually look for (& why most businesses aren’t ready)?
Not all buyers are created equal.
Strategic buyers, private equity firms, family offices, individual buyers, and management teams each have different motivations, timelines, and valuation methods.
The EXIT READINESS MASTERMIND helps you understand:
Which type of buyer is most likely to acquire your business
What each buyer type looks for during due diligence
How to position your company to attract premium offers
Common deal structures and what they mean for your future involvement
Understanding the 5 types of acquirers - and what each one values most
Like bungee jumping, getting married, or hiking the Grand Canyon, selling your business is something you’re likely only going to do once in your life.
There’s no practice tee and no batting cage, so it’s worth doing a little planning beforehand. In this eBook, you’ll get inside the mind of an acquirer to understand what potential buyers of your business are looking for.
Get this table of pros and cons and many other insights when you download the free Ebook.
Why are you thinking about an exit?
Most business owners fall into 1 of 3 categories
Looking to diversify wealth
Want to cash out and enjoy the fruits of your labour
Have a new business idea you want to pursue
Ready to get involved in philanthropy or other passions
Personal Motivators:
Burned out and need a change
Facing health challenges
Stressed, time-starved, and overwhelmed
Dealing with a family situation that requires your attention
Personal Crisis:
The business no longer excites you
Ready to focus on hobbies and personal interests
Want to travel while you’re still young enough to enjoy it
Desire to prioritize health and family over work
Personally Peaked:
Whatever your reason, one thing is certain: How you prepare for your exit will determine whether you have regrets or relief.
Selling your company is a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and enormous potential.
But it requires careful planning - not just financially, but emotionally and strategically.
Key questions to consider:
What happens to your employees after the sale?
How involved do you want to be post-exit?
What’s your “freedom number” to never have to work again?
How do you protect the legacy you’ve built?
The EXIT READINESS MASTERMIND helps you answer these questions.
Q: How much time per month is required?
Expect 6-10 hours monthly total: one 2-hour live group session, 60-90 minutes of pre-work (Value Builder module videos), plus implementation time for your monthly action commitments. Most owners find this time investment pays back 10x in reduced chaos, faster decision-making, and increased profitability.
Q: What does it cost?
This program is designed for business owners who view this as a strategic investment in their company's value and their personal exit readiness—not an expense.
The investment is structured in two parts: an upfront commitment that ensures serious participation, plus monthly installments over the 12-month program. This structure is intentional: it focuses on owners who are ready to do the work and makes the program accessible without requiring a single large payment.
To put it in perspective: if the program helps you increase your company's valuation by even 5-10% (which is conservative based on Value Builder data), the ROI is substantial. Most owners operating $2M+ revenue businesses have company valuations of $2M-$10M+, meaning a conservative 5% increase = $100K-$500K+ in additional exit value.
Exact investment details and payment options are shared during your discovery call.
Q: Can my leadership team join the sessions?
The mastermind is exclusively for business owners and co-founders to protect confidentiality. However, we'll teach you exactly how to engage and delegate to your leadership team as part of building a transferable business. Your team doesn't need to know you're in an exit planning program unless you choose to tell them.
Q: When does the next cohort start?
We form cohorts on a rolling basis as we reach our minimum of 5 committed participants (maximum 12 per cohort for quality). Once you complete your discovery call and commit, you'll be placed in the next forming cohort, typically starting within 4-8 weeks. We'll notify you of the exact start date and introduce you to your cohort members.
Q: What industries qualify?
We primarily work with service-based and B2B businesses; however, industry matters less than your growth intent, coachability, revenue scale, and commitment level. We carefully curate non-competing cohorts and will notify you immediately if there's any potential conflict with existing participants.
Q: What if I miss a session?
Life happens. If you must miss a session, notify our program coordinator and you'll receive a detailed written summary plus access to the session materials. However, the real value is in live peer interaction and real-time coaching, so consistent attendance is expected. Repeated absences may result in removal from the cohort without refund (as stated in the enrollment agreement).
Q: What's the difference between this and regular business coaching?
Traditional business coaching focuses on growth and operations. The Exit Readiness Mastermind focuses on the 8 drivers that determine company value and transferability. We combine proven methodologies (Value Builder + Scaling Up) with peer accountability from owners at similar stages, confidential mastermind dynamics, and dual preparation: getting both your business AND you personally ready for whatever comes next. Plus, every participant has the same ultimate goal: optionality and freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you offer a self-paced option for those not ready for the full mastermind?
YES, we offer a self-serve option for business owners who want the proven methodology and assessments but prefer to work independently, need to expedite the process, or aren’t ready for the group commitment.
What’s included:
18 months access to the complete Value Builder portal with all 12 modules (videos, exercises, ebooks and added resources).
Your per and post Value-Builder Score (month 1 and 12)
One private 90-minute coaching session with Merin
Self-paced completion - work through content on your schedule
What’s NOT included:
Monthly group mastermind sessions (peer accountability & insights)
Private cohort channel access
Mid-program progress check-in
Industry-exclusive peer network
Who is this for:
Owners who prefer independent learning over group dynamics
Those exploring exit readiness before committing to the full preparation
Businesses no yet at the $2M+ revenue threshold for the mastermind
Owners who want foundational knowledge before joining a future mastermind cohort
Investment for the self-paced access:
The self-paced option is offered at a significantly lower investment than the full mastermind.
Options:
Pay 100% upfront = $4000 + GST
Pay over 12 months = $500/mo or ($6000 + GST)
Q: Do you guarantee results?
We guarantee world-class tools (Value Builder System with 80,000+ assessments), expert certified coaching, and rigorous peer accountability.
Your results depend on consistent execution. Participants who complete pre-work, attend all sessions, and implement their monthly commitments typically see measurable improvements in their Value Builder Scores within 6 months.
We cannot guarantee a specific valuation increase or exit outcome, as those depend on market conditions and your implementation.
Q: Is the Mastermind or Self-Serve Program only for owners who want to sell soon?
Absolutely not. Whether you're planning to exit in 2 years, 10 years, or unsure if you want to exit at all, the principles are the same. The strategies that prepare you for exit also make your business more profitable, less stressful, and more enjoyable to own.
Many participants join to gain optionality—the freedom to sell, stay, scale, or transition on their terms. Some discover they want to keep the business once it no longer consumes their life.
“Merin’s process helped us get the structures in place to enable scalability. We’ve seen increases in revenue, profits, and efficiencies in how we use our time and resources.”
“Having Merin involved clarified our needs and made the whole process move in a direction we needed.”
“Merin has a unique ability to connect with entrepreneurs and help them turn ideas into clear, actionable plans for growth. She provides practical, impactful coaching that empowers business owners to move forward with clarity and confidence.”
Not ready to commit yet? Start here.
Download “The Overlooked Owner”
Free Ebook
How do you determine the value of your business? Most owners think it's all about the numbers—revenue, profit, market conditions, assets.
But a study of 1,511 companies uncovered an often-overlooked factor that significantly impacts both company value AND exit satisfaction: the business owner themselves.
Your personal readiness—emotional, financial, and strategic—can make or break your exit. Or help you discover you'd rather stay.
This eBook reveals:
The 3 categories of exit motivations (and which one is driving you)
How to calculate your "Freedom Point" so you know your financial number
Why personal readiness matters as much as business readiness for successful exits
The biggest mistakes owners make when planning their exits (and how to avoid regret)
How to know if you're emotionally ready to let go—or if you'd rather fix what's broken
Valuable insights to help you think through your options
Every great exit plan start with a conversation
Ready to start preparing your business for options?
Every good plan starts with clarity.
Book a confidential Discovery call, and we will decide together if the Exit Readiness Mastermind (or self-serve option) is the right path for you.
What to expect:
30 minutes focused on your business
A candid fit check for the program
Complete privacy guaranteed
Clear next steps you can act on
