SELF-SERVE EXIT PLANNING PROGRAMMING
Exit Planning on Your Timeline: Self-Guided Program
Get the assessments, frameworks & tools to prepare your business for exit. Start measuring, start improving, start building options.
Not ready for a 12-month mastermind commitment?
No problem.
The Self-Guided Exit Planning Program gives you everything you need to assess your current position, identify your biggest gaps, and systematically build a more valuable, transferable business—at your own pace.
Whether you're 2 years or 10 years from exit, this program helps you take control.
Is the Self-Guided Program Right for You?
This program is designed for business owners who:
Are under $2M in revenue and building toward exit readiness
Want to start preparing for exit but aren't ready for coaching commitment
Need clarity on their current position before investing in higher-level support
Prefer to work independently and implement at their own speed
Are budget-conscious and want maximum value without ongoing coaching fees
Want structured frameworks and tools - not just generic advice
Are willing to do the work themselves with clear guidance
If you're disciplined, strategic, and ready to take action- this program will give you everything you need to move forward confidently.
This program is NOT for:
Owners who need accountability and hands-on support
($2M+: Consider the Mastermind)
Businesses in crisis mode requiring immediate intervention
Owners looking for someone else to "do it for them"
Businesses $5M+ needing custom strategy
(Consider 1-on-1 Value Acceleration Coaching)
Everything You Need to Assess, Plan, and Execute
The Self-Guided Exit Planning Program combines proven assessments, video training, and implementation tools to help you systematically prepare your business for exit.
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: Exit Planning Tools & Templates
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.
What It Is:
A proven framework for increasing business value, backed by 80,000+ assessments worldwide and extensive research on what buyers actually pay for.
Why It Matters:
You're not guessing at what makes your business valuable—you're following a data-driven roadmap used by thousands of successful exits.
Why This Isn't Just Another "Business Course"
The Self-Guided Exit Planning Program isn't generic business advice. It's a battle-tested system based on a world-class methodology.
Companies that complete the Value Builder program and systematically improve their scores see dramatic results:
2x higher valuation multiples on average
71% increase in offers received compared to baseline
Faster transaction timelines due to reduced buyer concerns
Lower owner dependency creating more freedom today
30 minutes. No pressure.
See if this is right for you.
Ready to Start? Take Control of Your Exit Timeline
You've spent years building this business. Now it's time to ensure it's ready—for exit, for growth, or for whatever comes next.
The Self-Guided Exit Planning Program gives you the clarity, tools, and roadmap to prepare with confidence.
Start today. Measure your readiness. Build your options.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee — If you complete your Value Builder Score and Module 1, and you decide this program isn't right for you, we'll refund your investment. No questions asked.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU ENROLL
Your First 30 Days:
Here's exactly what happens when you join the Self-Guided Exit Planning Program:
Day 1: Welcome & Access
You'll receive login credentials to the program portal, including all video modules, templates, and assessment links.
Days 1-7: Complete Assessments
Take your Value Builder Score™ and Personal Readiness Score (PREScore™). Review your personalized reports and identify your top 3 priority areas.
Days 8-14: Start Learning
Watch the video modules for Module 1. Complete the exercises and identify immediate action items.
Days 15-30: Quick Wins
Implement 1-2 "quick win" actions using the provided templates.
Merin Coutts: Your Exit Planning Partner
Merin Coutts is a Value Builder Certified Advisor and Scaling UP Certified Coach specializing in helping established businesses ($2M+ revenue) in Western Canada prepare for exit—or build the freedom to stay.
Credentials:
Value Builder Certified Advisor
Scaling UP Certified Coach
15+ years advising growth-stage companies on strategy, operations, and value creation
Merin's Approach:
"Most owners either love their business or list it—but they rarely feel in control. My job is to give you options. Whether you exit proudly, stay strategically, or scale further, you'll have a business that works for you—not the other way around."
Frequently Asked Questions
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The assessment and video modules can be completed and you can get started within a week. The program is designed to be implemented over 12 months, but you can fast track this if you're focused. Implementation is ongoing and depends on your starting point—most owners start to see measurable improvements within 6-12 months.
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No. Many owners aren't sure if they want to sell at all. This program helps you gain clarity on whether to exit, stay, or scale—and prepares you regardless of which path you choose.
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No. The same strategies that prepare you for exit also make your business more profitable, less dependent on you, and more enjoyable to run. Many owners complete the program and decide NOT to sell—because their business finally feels manageable.
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If your business is generating at least $500K in revenue and you have some systems in place, you're ready. This program meets you where you are and gives you a clear path forward. If you're earlier-stage (under $500K), consider focusing on Scaling Up & Growth fundamentals first - visit the Business Coaching section of the website.
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Yes. We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you complete your Value Builder Score and the first Module and you decide the program isn't a fit, we'll refund your investment—no questions asked.
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Brokers help you SELL your business when you're ready. This program helps you PREPARE your business so that when you do engage a broker, you're positioned to command a premium multiple. Think of this as the 1-2 years of work BEFORE you hire a broker.
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No. All you need is access to a web browser. The video training and supporting exercises are accessible via any web browser. All other material will come in a PDF format.
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Yes. If you complete the Self-Guided Program and want more support, you can upgrade to the Exit Readiness Mastermind. We'll credit your self-guided investment toward the mastermind fee.