As a woman entrepreneur, you know the value of being prepared—especially when it comes to your business. Whether selling seems far off or closer than you think, the time to plan is now.

Here’s how to position yourself for an exit that reflects your hard-earned success:

Set the Stage: Acquirers want to see organization and clarity. Make sure your files are set up exactly how they expect, showcasing the power of your leadership.

Measure What Matters: Build toward the metrics that make you stand out as a valuable target. Progress each year, and watch your power grow.

Speed Wins: The faster you close the deal, the more you walk away with. Time is on your side when you move quickly and efficiently.

Own the Private Auction: Skip the public bidding frenzy. A private auction gives you control and lets you work with the right buyer.

Know What’s at Stake: This isn’t just a business—it’s your creation. Be clear about what you’re leaving behind, and plan for the next chapter.

Spot the Right Players: Identify the top 3 to 5 acquirers in your field. These are the ones who can take what you’ve built to the next level.

Make Your Presence Known: You’ve worked hard to get here—now it’s time to make sure the right people see you. Get on their radar, and stay there.

Silent but Strategic: Reward your key team members with stay bonuses, but keep things quiet until the deal is done. You’ve earned that discretion.

Protect Your Work: Get legal clearances on all creative assets now. This is your intellectual property, and it deserves protection.

Bring in a Trusted Advisor: You need more than just an investment banker. A strategic exit advisor will help you navigate this journey with the confidence you’ve earned.

Contact us today to start preparing for your ultimate exit.

You’ve built this business—now let’s make sure you leave on your terms. Your Mr. or Mrs. BIG is waiting!

Who We Are

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.