The most valuable exits are engineered years in advance. Here's how to start the clock today.

Selling well starts long before the listing. The strongest multiples come from owners who treat the year before sale like a strategic project.

Start with clean books. Buyers and their lenders will scrutinize 3 years of financials, so reconcile every account, separate personal expenses, and document add-backs.

Reduce owner dependency. If the business can't run for two weeks without you, it isn't really sellable - it's a job. Document SOPs, empower a #2, and step out of daily decisions.

Finally, clean up contracts, leases, and customer concentration. Anything a buyer will flag in diligence is something you can fix now for a higher price later.

Preparing Your Business for Sale: A 12-Month Playbook