“SMART Goals for a Stronger Exit Plan: Plan Now, Celebrate Later!”

When business owners think about exit planning, many jump straight to valuation, successors, or timing. But hold up! Before any of that works, you need clear goals that actually guide your decisions long before you cross the finish line.

Enter SMART goals—your secret weapon for making sure your exit (or retirement!) looks exactly how you’ve imagined it. Without them? You might end up somewhere… but not exactly where you planned.

Here’s how to make your exit-focused goals SMART:

S – Specific: Know exactly what kind of exit or transition you want. No guessing games.
M – Measurable: Track what matters—revenue, profit growth, team readiness, or valuation goals.
A – Aligned: Make sure your exit goals match your personal values, lifestyle dreams, and big-picture vision.
R – Realistic: Aim high, but keep it doable. Stretch goals are good—impossible goals aren’t.
T – Time-bound: Pick your deadline. 3, 5, or 10 years—having a timeline keeps you moving forward (and stops procrastination in its tracks!).

Set SMART goals today, and you’ll give yourself a roadmap that increases your chances of a smooth, profitable, and well-prepared exit by 10x.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Shape it with purpose—and maybe a little fun along the way.

Need guidance building your SMART exit or retirement goals? 
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