Getting Exit-Ready: How to Build a Business You Can Sell (ft. Lien de Pau, The Big Exit)

In this episode, Tom chats with Lien de Pau, founder and CEO of The Big Exit, about one of the most overlooked aspects of small business ownership—preparing your business for sale. Lien shares why the majority of businesses don’t sell, and what owners can do years in advance to increase their chances of not just selling, but achieving a big exit.Drawing on her own entrepreneurial journey and work with founders across industries, Lien breaks down the key steps to creating an exit-ready business. From understanding how buyers assess value to removing owner dependency, she explains why sellability depends on much more than just top-line revenue.Topics explored in this episode include:Why 9 out of 10 businesses listed for sale don’t actually sellThe importance of viewing your business as an asset, not just an income sourceHow to reduce owner dependence to make your business more attractive to buyersWhat “maintenance” means—from clean financials to documented systemsCommon mistakes that cause deals to fall through during due diligenceHow to balance short-term profitability with long-term exit valueLien also introduces her Seven-Figure Exit Program, designed to help business owners get a valuation, assess exit readiness, and build a personalised action plan for maximising their business value.Whether you’re planning to sell in one year or ten, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you take control of your future and prepare for a successful exit.📩 Check the show notes for free tools, including Lien’s valuation calculator and exit readiness quiz, and links to connect with her directly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liendepau/