181. Mastering Growth, Profits and Exit planning with Carrie Kerpen

Are you a female founder dreaming of building a seven-figure business that's primed for a lucrative exit?  In this week's episode of "Life After Corporate," host Deb Boulanger welcomes Carrie Kerpen, founder and CEO of the Whisper Group, to discuss the journey from corporate life to successful entrepreneurship. Carrie, a certified exit planning adviser, shares invaluable startup advice for women entrepreneurs looking to create exit-ready companies. She emphasizes the importance of documenting processes, creating transferable business models, and implementing innovative strategies for recurring revenue - all crucial elements in increasing your company's value.  This episode is a goldmine for aspiring and established female founders alike. Carrie reveals game-changing insights on overcoming entrepreneurial fears, the power of video content in business operations, and the critical role of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in preparing for a potential business exit. Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or aiming to scale your existing venture, this conversation will equip you with the tools and mindset needed to build a business that's not just successful, but exit-ready. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to close the exit gap and create a business that truly reflects your worth – hit play now and take the first step towards your entrepreneurial dreams!     [03:04- 08:50] Women Entrepreneurs: Navigating Corporate to Startup Transitions Left corporate job at 29 to start a business, transitioning from marketing to media sales Recognized the challenge of participating in a corporate system not built for balance or mothers Grew quickly as a social media agency when there were no others in the market Took over leadership when the business was growing rapidly but not profitable     [08:51 -19:34] Building a Sellable Business: Exit Planning for Women Entrepreneurs   The Whisper Collective is a community of exited female founders discussing managing their money post-exit. The "Y Gate" is the first stage, helping entrepreneurs understand their exit goals and business valuation. The "How Gate" involves strategic planning focused on exit readiness, with quarterly and annual planning. A network of women-owned investment bankers, advisors, and lawyers assists with the final exit process.     [19:35 - 28:53]  Creating Standard Operating Procedures for Business Exit Strategy     SOPs are essential for making a business transferable and more valuable at exit Document every aspect of the business, from getting clients to handling issues Use AI tools like ChatGPT to help create operating procedures Utilize video for creating SOPs, which can be easily transcribed and converted into written manuals   [28:54 - 34:50] Building a Sellable Business: From Corporate to Entrepreneurship    The process involves testing your idea and learning operating principles that produce predictable, reliable revenue Mastering technology, systems, processes, and sales techniques is crucial for creating an engine that continues to run and grow Fear of leaving a corporate paycheck often persists, even after achieving entrepreneurial success Preparation is key: entrepreneurs need to be ready with plans to supplement income and determine how long they can go without earning   Connect with Carrie Kerpen  Website: We Are The Whisper Group Facebook:  Facebook LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carriekerpen YouTube:  Carrie Kerpen - YouTube Instagram:  @cerriekerpen   Books by Carrie Kerpen Work It: Secrets for Success from the Boldest Women in Business Work It: Secrets for Success from the Boldest Women in Business: Kerpen, Carrie:    Pre-Order  The Whisper Way   Carrie's Podcast The Exit Whisperer   Go to https://lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com/ for all episodes 168.  The Chris Voss Method for Closing the Deal 144  Overgiving: The Secret Saboteur of Entrepreneurial Success 131 From Self-Sabotage to Success: Practical Strategies to Thrive Tweetable Quotes:  "My goal is to get as much money in the hands of women as possible and allow them to have the freedom that they truly deserve in a world that could be built for them."..Carrie Kerpen on Empowering Women Financially "I learned that I have a lot of trouble when working just for myself, establishing boundaries to not spend all of my time with these women because I'm madly in love with them"….Carrie Kerpen on the power of boundaries   **TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST**   SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this podcast to other growing entrepreneurs!  Get weekly tips on how to create more money and meaning doing work you love and be one of the many growing entrepreneurs in our community. Connect with me on LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12656341/  or on Instagram or our website at www.lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com .