“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
Empowering Leaders at the J. Douglas Williams YMCA Family Center
I was blessed to conduct a Lunch & Learn with the fabulous and community-minded leaders of the J. Douglas Williams YMCA Family Center located in Lake Mary/Longwood! Location: 665 Longwood Lake Mary Rd, Lake Mary, FL 32746 The custom-designed topic, titled: Frogs, Focus & Fundraising: A YMCA Mindset Reset, focused on these 5 areas: Turn "frogs" into fuelBreak habits, not recordsMindset is moneySave time, Save the YKey strategies to get resultsThe program turned out great, but let's hear directly from some of
Are You a Victor or a Victim in Business?
Let’s be honest, every business owner faces tough days. But how you respond makes all the difference.You’ve got two paths:Be a VICTOR or Be a Failure MagnetVictors (PROVE):Proactive—They make things happen.Responsible—No finger-pointing, just solutions.Ownership mindset— “My business, my move.”Visionary—Sees the big picture and future.Excellence-driven—settles for nothing less.Failure Magnets (BENDS):Blame—"It“'s not my fault!”Excuses— “I didn’t have time.”Negative mindset— “Nothing ever
“ The Sigmoid Curve – a.k.a The Business Life Rollercoaster”
Every business has its ups, downs, and loop-de-loops. That pattern? It’s called the Sigmoid Curve — or what I like to call, The Business Life Rollercoaster. It starts thrilling, picks up speed, and eventually slows down… unless you’re ready to hop onto the next ride. Here’s how it goes: 1. The Learning Phase Everything’s shiny and exciting, you’re full of ideas and caffeine. But watch out for two traps:The Honeymoon Trap: “This is easy! What could go wrong?”The 3 Feet from Gold Trap: Quitting right
“Don’t Be the Firefighter of Your Own Company!”
Let’s face it — running a business can sometimes feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle… blindfolded. Between managing people, meeting deadlines, and keeping the lights on, you might be wondering: “Is there a better way to do this?”Spoiler alert: Yes. It’s called Business Coaching.So… What Is a Business Coach Anyway? Think of a business coach as your GPS for success — we help you navigate the four big destinations every owner cares about: ⦁ Time (so you can finally take that vacation
Your Future Buyer Is Watching You!
Hey there, business rockstars! Yes, you! The one juggling sales, operations, and five cups of coffee before noon while answering emails like a caffeinated octopus. Let’s talk about something exciting (and slightly terrifying) — Next-Generation Buyers. They’re coming... and oh boy, they’re picky. We’re talking, “I only buy coffee made from beans that were sung lullabies by monks,” kind of picky. So, if your dream retirement involves sandy beaches, fruity drinks, and zero spreadsheets — it’s time to
Generation X Is Up Next — But Where Are They?
Quick Quiz: Who knows when Generation X was born?Answer: 1965 through 1984. Who knows why they’re called "Generation X"?Trick question! Nobody really knows — maybe because they’re the most mysteriously underrated generation of them all. Blame It On the Boomers... Kinda Let’s rewind: The Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964) were all about peace, love, and, eventually... MBAs and IRAs. They focused on higher education, climbing the career ladder, and delaying marriage and kids. Which, frankly, makes sense —
The Baby Boomers — The Generation That Changed Everything
Ever wonder who turned the world upside down before Wi-Fi, TikTok, and AirPods? Introducing: The Baby Boomers! Born between 1946 and 1964, this powerhouse generation isn’t just famous for bell-bottoms, rock ‘n’ roll, and Saturday morning cartoons — they literally reshaped society. As of 2016, they range in age from 52 to 70. Starting in 2013, the first of the Boomers reached age 67, the typical retirement age. Let’s break down how these Boomers went from babies to business bosses. A Baby Boom
Will Your Legacy Last? Could YOU be Losing 75% of Your Business's Value?
The Importance of Proper Business Exit Planning. If you don’t plan your exit, someone else will — and chances are, you won’t like their plan. Think about it: your business is likely your biggest asset, the result of years (or decades!) of hard work, late nights, and maybe a few too many cups of coffee. Waiting until the last minute to plan your exit is like cramming for an exam at 3 AM — technically possible… but let’s just say the results won’t be pretty. Could YOU be losing 75% of your business's
Start Your Exit Journey Today — Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!
Why Business Coaching is the Key to a Smooth TransitionThis marks the final article in our Exit Strategies & Succession Planning series. Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored how to plan your exit, protect your family business legacy, and maximize your company’s value before selling.Stay tuned for our next topic, “Mapping Your Business Exit Strategy,” which kicks off Session 1 of the Business Exit & Succession Planning Workshop Series.Why You Should Start Early Here’s what smart business owners gain by
Maximize Your Business Value Before Selling!
Why Smart Business Owners Plan Ahead September 19, 2025 | Member ArticleThis is the 3rd installment in our weekly series on Family Business Succession, created to help business owners protect their legacy and navigate a seamless leadership transition. Be sure to check back each week for practical, actionable tips! Selling your business in today’s competitive marketplace requires more than just finding a buyer—it requires building a business that’s valuable, sustainable, and attractive to potential
Don’t Just Handover—Plan Brilliantly!
Why Smart Family Business Owners Prioritize Succession Planning September 12, 2025 | Member Article This is the 2nd in our weekly series on Family Business Succession, designed to help owners secure their legacy and ensure a smooth leadership transition. Check back each week for practical, action-oriented tips! For many families, their business is more than a job—it’s their legacy, their passion, and often their most significant investment. But without a clear succession plan, even the most successful
Don’t Just Exit—Exit Brilliantly!
This is the first in our weekly series on Exit Strategies and Succession Planning, designed to help business owners protect their legacy and transition with confidence. Check back each week for more valuable, action-oriented tips! For most business owners, their company isn’t just a job; it’s their life’s work, their dream, and often their biggest investment. But what happens when it’s time to step away? Mapping out a successful exit plan can turn what might feel like a stressful ending into an exciting
