For business owners, the keys to a successful exit are simple - planning and aligning the 3 most important factors: 1) Personal goals 2) Business issues and 3) Personal finances. Let me explain. The most common objections to creating an exit plan that I hear include: “I’m not sure how to start the process” “I’m too busy putting out fires” “The exit planning process seems too daunting” The fact is that the results of good exit planning will far outweigh the inconveniences: You control how and when you exit You maximize value in good and bad times (despite market conditions) You keep more of what you get rather than pay taxes