The Power of Coordinated Planning: Breaking Down Advisory Silos

Are you losing money without even knowing it?

As a business owner, you likely have an accountant, a financial advisor, an attorney, and several business consultants. But here's the truth I shared recently on "Get Down To Business Show" with Scott "Shalom" Klein: when these advisors work in isolation, it often costs owners in missed opportunities, conflicting strategies, and unnecessary taxes.

The Hidden Cost of Fragmented Advice

I've witnessed business owners struggle with a common challenge: their advisory team operates in silos. Your accountant might suggest one tax strategy while your financial advisor recommends an investment approach that completely undermines it. Meanwhile, your attorney drafts documents that could have been structured more advantageously if they'd known about both plans.

Beyond Traditional Advisory: A Personal Journey

I discovered this critical gap early in my career at major bank brokerage firms. The traditional sales-focused approach wasn't serving clients' best interests, which led me to develop a more comprehensive methodology. What I found was eye-opening: the most successful business owners weren't just getting good advice – they were getting coordinated advice.

Three Critical Elements Your Exit Strategy Must Address

During my conversation with Scott, I outlined what determines the success of your business transition:

1. Business Readiness: Is your company structured to thrive without you?
2. Owner Readiness: Have you planned for your life post-exit?
3. Buyer Attractiveness: Does your business have what buyers actually value?

Miss any of these, and you could join the 80% of business owners who regret their exit within the first year.

Your Personal Action Plan: The Blueprint for Freedom

The solution lies in what I call a Personal Action Plan. This isn't just another business strategy – it's your roadmap to freedom. It answers crucial questions like:

• Who are your ideal buyers and what do they truly value?
• What's your role post-transition? (Hint: this affects both the sale price and your happiness)
• How will you protect your employees during the transition?
• Most importantly: What will you do on Monday morning after the sale?
• The Freedom Point: Your Magic Number

Here's a concept that transformed how my clients think about their exit: The Freedom Point

It's not just a number – it's the precise moment when your business sale can fund your ideal lifestyle. Once you know this number, every business decision becomes clearer. Yet surprisingly, most owners have never calculated it and don’t know how.

The New Generation of Exit Planning

I shared an interesting observation with Scott: while many business owners wait until they're forced to think about exit planning, newer business owners are building their companies with the end in mind. They're creating systems, processes, and strategies that make their businesses more valuable from day one.

This shift isn't just about better planning – it's about creating more options for your future. After all, isn't that why you started your business in the first place? For freedom?

Conclusion: I've spent nearly four decades watching business owners leave money on the table due to siloed advisory teams. As I shared with Scott, success isn't just about getting good advice—it's about having your advisors work together toward your Freedom Point. Your life's work deserves a coordinated approach. Let's break down these barriers together and design the future you envision.

Ready to start planning your optimal business exit?

Schedule a no-obligation, exploratory call with me. We'll delve into your business specifics and long-term goals, formulating strategies to build and protect your wealth as you prepare for your ideal business endgame.

Joseph LoPresti, leads ?Arlington Wealth Management, and brings over 39 years of wealth management and business expertise to the table. Joseph is passionate about guiding fellow business owners? through a smooth and satisfying transition, and coordinating all aspects of their wealth toward a secure and prosperous life.

Arlington Wealth Management is a Registered Investment Adviser ("RIA"). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training, and the content of this communication has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority. Arlington Wealth Management provides individualized responses to individuals in a particular state only after complying with the state's regulatory requirements, or pursuant to an applicable state exemption or exclusion. All investments carry risk, and no investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss of capital. Advanced Tax Reduction Group (ATRG), an affiliate of AWM, may receive a portion of the fees from the services mentioned in this communication. ATRG offers tax planning, consulting, and preparation, as well as estate and business consulting for separate compensation. AWM clients are not obligated to use ATRG for these services.