Are you building a business for today—or for the future?

In Episode 87 of the #Add A Zero Podcast, host Jay Allen of My True North challenges conscientious business owners to confront one of the most overlooked, yet critical aspects of business leadership: planning your exit.

Jay shares real-life stories, including his own hard lessons from running a company that faced upheaval when a major client collapsed, and the personal cost of being “tied” to a business with no succession plan. Discover why even successful, thriving businesses face the risk of sudden collapse or unethical closure if continuity and legacy aren't part of your growth strategy.

Through insightful examples—from sudden health scares to undervalued business sales and fractured partnerships—this episode unpacks the importance of:

• Building a business that thrives without your daily involvement

• Creating continuity and legacy plans to protect your team and investment

• Establishing clear, legally binding partnership agreements before you need them

• Ensuring your business, brand, and staff are future-proofed against the unexpected

Whether you intend to sell, scale, or simply secure your enterprise for the long haul, Jay’s advice will provoke important questions and offer actionable steps to future-proof your company.

Here are 3 key takeaways every conscientious business owner should consider:

• Don’t Wait for a Crisis: Even thriving businesses are vulnerable if the owner is at the center. An unexpected health issue or life event can derail years of hard work if there’s no succession plan in place.

• Your Business Needs Independence: The more your business relies on you personally, the less valuable (and less stable) it becomes. Building systems and a strong team enable your company to grow and succeed—with or without your daily involvement.

• Plan for Legacy, Not Just Income: Closing the doors on a profitable business when you retire isn’t just shortsighted—Jay argues it’s unethical if it puts loyal employees out of work. Planning for exit ensures your business, and the livelihoods it supports, continue to thrive.

Ask yourself honestly: If you had to step back tomorrow, would your business (and your people) flourish or flounder? Now is the time to put solid continuity and exit plans in place—for your peace of mind, your team, and your legacy.

Want to learn more about exit planning, succession, and ethical business growth? Don’t miss this powerful conversation designed to help you create a company that leaves a lasting legacy, not just a bottom line.

Tune in now and take the next steps toward a more resilient, impactful business!

#Tags:
#BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #ExitPlanning #BusinessGrowth #SuccessionPlanning #Leadership #EthicalBusiness #ScaleYourBusiness #LegacyBuilding #FutureProofYourBusiness #Partnerships #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwner #SustainableGrowth #BusinessAdvice #AddAZero #MyTrueNorth #BusinessStrategy #UKBusiness #JobCreation #BusinessContinuity

Listen and discover why every business owner needs an exit strategy—before you think you need it!