The Hidden Cost of Waiting: Why 2025 Could Be Your Perfect Exit Year

Welcome back to another edition of The Wise Exit!

In today's issue, we're covering:

1. The Hidden Cost of Waiting: Why 2025 Could Be Your Perfect Exit Year

2. 9-Step Guide to Selling Your Internet Business Successfully

3. Why GTM Alignment Can't Wait Until After Close

Let's dive in!

The Hidden Cost of Waiting: Why 2025 Could Be Your Perfect Exit Year

As we kick off 2025, many founders are asking themselves: "Is this my year to exit?" It's a loaded question, especially when the market sends mixed signals.

But here's what most founders don't realize—waiting for the "perfect moment" could be the costliest decision you'll ever make.

Time Kills All Deals

Let's be honest—timing your exit perfectly is like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Instead of waiting for perfect conditions, focus on what you can control:

• Your growth trajectory (buyers care more about your momentum than market conditions)

• Your team's ability to run without you (this takes months, not weeks, to prove)

• Your financial systems and reporting (messy books scare away good buyers)

Getting these fundamentals right takes time (often more than founders expect). When the right buyer comes knocking, you won't have the luxury of time to fix them. Be ready.

The Real Price of Hesitation

Every month you wait has hidden costs:

• Market conditions can shift (remember how quickly things changed in 2023?)

• Key employees might leave

• Competitors could capture your market share

Think of exit planning like compound interest but in reverse. The longer you wait to address these issues, the more value you could be leaving on the table. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good.

Your 2025 Action Plan

Start by asking yourself three crucial questions:

• Is your business truly ready for scrutiny?

• Do you have a strong management team in place?

• Are your finances crystal clear and well-documented?

The best time to prepare for an exit was yesterday. The second best time? Today. As always, if you need help preparing for your exit, get in touch.

Featured Blog 📰

Are you thinking about selling your internet business? Our latest blog breaks down the exact steps you need to take for a successful exit.

We cover:

• The 9 crucial steps to a successful sale

• Common pitfalls to avoid

• How to build your perfect M&A team

• Keys to maximizing your sale price

Read "9-Step Guide to Selling Your Internet Business Successfully" on our blog.

M&A Tips from Brian Dukes 💡

Most founders get their GTM (go-to-market) strategy timing wrong.

Think alignment can wait until after the deal closes? Think again.

Your GTM strategy is about creating value from day one post-merger. Want to know how?

Read the full post on LinkedIn.

That's all for this week!

Remember, the best exits are built on decisions you make today.

Best,

Brian Dukes