"What's Your Walk-Away Number?"

Well, that depends...

Many business owners approaching an exit get asked, “What’s your walk away number?”—the amount of money needed to sell with confidence. It’s a critical question, but without a personal strategic plan for what comes next, that number is nothing more than a guess.

Why This Matters

A number without a strategy can lead to:

Undervaluing your business –

Selling too soon can be a costly mistake, often driven by gut feeling rather than a well-calculated decision. Many business owners choose a number that “feels right” without fully considering whether it will sustain their post-exit lifestyle and long-term financial needs.

Without a personal strategic plan, it’s easy to underestimate hidden costs like taxes, investment risks, healthcare, or capital for new ventures. Some sellers realize too late they need to adjust their lifestyle or take on unexpected work.

A premature exit can also mean walking away from growth opportunities or failing to optimize after-tax proceeds. Your walk away number shouldn’t be a guess—it should be a strategic decision backed by a clear vision for what comes next.

Overstaying in the business –

Staying in your business too long out of uncertainty can be just as risky as exiting too soon. Many owners delay selling because they lack clarity on what comes next, leading to burnout, stagnation, or a decline in business value.

The longer you wait without a clear strategy, the more you risk losing leverage in negotiations, missing peak market conditions, or becoming emotionally and financially tied to a business that no longer serves your goals.

A well-defined personal strategic plan provides the confidence to exit at the right time, ensuring you leave on your terms rather than out of necessity.

Post-exit drift –

Many business owners focus so much on the sale itself that they overlook what happens afterward, leading to a sense of aimlessness once the deal is done. Without a clear plan for their next chapter, they can experience financial missteps, poor investment decisions, or even regret over leaving behind the structure and purpose their business provided.

Some struggle with a loss of identity, feeling disconnected or uncertain about how to fill their time in a meaningful way. A personal strategic plan helps prevent this post-exit drift by defining new goals, interests, and opportunities, ensuring that the transition is not just financially successful but personally fulfilling.

Your Personal Strategic Plan Creates Clarity

A REAL walk away number isn’t just net proceeds—we're talking about funding your future life on your terms. A personal strategic plan helps you:

Define Your Next Chapter

• What does a fulfilling post-exit life look like?
• Will you start another venture, invest, consult, or step into philanthropy?
• How will you stay engaged, challenged, and purposeful?

Calculate the True Financial Need

• How much do you need to fund the activities and impact you envision?
• What are the hidden costs (taxes, investments, new projects) that affect the real number?
• How long does your capital need to last based on your next moves?

Ensure You Exit on Your Terms

• Selling from a position of confidence, not uncertainty.
• Avoiding the common regret of “What now?” after the deal is done.
• Creating a timeline that balances financial goals with personal fulfillment.

The Bottom Line

Your walk away number isn’t just a math equation—it’s a strategic decision that should align with the life you want after the exit. A personal strategic plan transforms your exit from a financial event into a launchpad for your next great act.

Don’t just sell. Sell with purpose.

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