The 3-Year Exit Timeline: How to prepare your business for a premium sale
- Evo-Valuations
- Sep 7
- 2 min read
Introduction
Selling a business isn’t like flipping a switch. It’s more like staging a valuable property.
You clean up the clutter, fix what’s broken, and present it so buyers can picture themselves owning it.
The problem? Most owners wait until the last minute. A rushed sale almost always means a discounted sale. How should you prepare your business for sale?
The solution is the 3-Year Exit Timeline, a structured plan to steadily increase your valuation, reduce risk, and position your business as irresistible to buyers.
Why 3 Years is the Sweet Spot
Time to fix value blockers without disrupting operations
Room to grow profit and stability for a higher multiple
Less stress — you control the pace, not buyer pressure
Better tax planning for maximum net proceeds
This timeline works best when you focus on the 8 Levers That Drive Business Value — see this full guide
Year-by-Year Breakdown
Year 1: Foundation — Clean, Clarify, and De-Risk
Think of Year 1 as cleaning the house before the viewing.
Key Actions:
Get a benchmark valuation
Remove personal expenses from accounts
Create a “No Founder Tasks” list and start delegating
Write your first SOPs
Begin a “Sale Readiness” folder for key documents
Learn more about delegation in How to Make Your Business Sellable Without You
Year 2: Acceleration — Boost Profit and Systemise
Now you’re improving the machine.
Key Actions:
Increase recurring revenue
Improve gross and net profit margins
Fully document operations and build your team structure
Diversify customers and reduce reliance on a few big clients
Track key metrics monthly (EBITDA, margins, churn, CAC)
Recurring revenue is one of the fastest levers to improve — see How to Build Recurring Revenue That Buyers Pay a Premium For
Year 3: Positioning — Make It Irresistible
In the final year, your focus shifts from fixing problems to presenting the opportunity.
Key Actions:
Commission an up-to-date valuation
Prepare a complete “Buyer Pack” (financials, SOPs, team, contracts)
Build a short list of potential buyers
Work with advisors on tax and deal structure
Start soft outreach to test buyer appetite
For a detailed Buyer Pack checklist, read Packaging Your Business for Buyers: The Ultimate “Sale Pack” Checklist
Related Reading
Your Next Step
Don’t leave your exit to chance. The Exit Smart. Retire Rich. 3-Year Exit Plan guide and Exit-Ready App give you:
A detailed year-by-year action plan for increasing valuation
A built-in progress tracker so you stay on course
The tools and checklists to make your business truly exit-ready
It’s just £99 for the complete toolkit, your personalised roadmap to a stress-free, profitable exit.
Your business is likely your biggest asset. Don’t leave its future, or your financial freedom, to chance. Start your 3-Year Exit Plan today and take control of your legacy.
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