Even if selling your business feels like a distant dream, you need to be ready from day one—because when opportunity knocks, you better be prepared to answer.
Here’s how to position yourself for the blockbuster exit you’ve always imagined:
Get Acquirer-Ready: Your files aren’t just paperwork—they’re the blueprint a buyer will scrutinize. Set them up right, or be left behind.
Chase the Metrics: Every year, inch closer to the numbers that scream, “I’m the one you want!” Acquirers look for consistency and growth—give them what they need.
Speed is Everything: Time is money. The longer the deal takes, the less you walk away with.
Stealth Mode: Ditch the public auction—embrace the exclusive, private auction where power players battle for YOU.
Know What’s at Stake: This isn’t just a sale. Think hard about what you’ll lose when you walk away.
Find the Giants: Identify the 3 to 5 major players in your space, and plot your course to get in front of them.
Get Noticed: Learn how to stand out like a David among Goliaths. Get your peanut in front of the elephant before someone else does.
Keep it Tight: Use stay bonuses to keep your top talent loyal, but otherwise? Stay silent—until the ink’s dry.
Secure the Rights: Get legal clearance on all creative assets NOW. No surprises when the stakes are high.
Call in the Pros: Don’t just rely on an investment banker. You need a strategic exit advisor who’s been through the fire and knows how to win.
Contact us today and start preparing for your biggest move yet. Mr. or Mrs. BIG won’t wait! Bonnie M. Harvey
Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.
Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered Worthy Cause Marketing and performance-based compensation. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.
They offer their Guiding Principles for Success (GPS) to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People, helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.
Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, & keynoting at business schools, corporations, conferences. They are regular media guests and contributors to international publications and professional journals. They are C-Suite Network Advisors & Contributing Editors. Visit their popular brand building site at www.consumerbrandbuilders.com.
To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact sales@thebarefootspirit.com.
As a woman entrepreneur, you know the value of being prepared—especially when it comes to… Read More
Picture this: a woman with a vision, a passion to be her own boss, and… Read More
Most Women Business Owners Make Less Than $50K a Year: It’s Time for a Change… Read More
When he asks, "What's for dinner?" she’s making the decisions—planning meals, shopping, and managing the… Read More
Listen to Michael's newest episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast with 🎤 Dr. Jeremy Weisz… Read More
In 2021, the Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rate for women in the United States reached… Read More