Too many business owners confuse burnout with readiness. Feeling exhausted after a tough year doesn’t mean your business is ready to sell—and waiting too long for the “perfect moment” can be just as costly. In this episode, Sam Penny breaks down how to know whether you’re truly exit ready or just tired, and the steps you can take to avoid one of the most expensive mistakes an owner can make.

Sam draws on his own experience building and selling seven-figure businesses, plus his work alongside brokers and buyers, to give you a clear, no-nonsense framework for exit success.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The difference between burnout and readiness—and why mistaking one for the other can cost you millions.
• The two layers of readiness: emotional and structural—and why both must align.
• The five core drivers of exit readiness every buyer looks for:
  1. Three-year financial stability
  2. Owner independence
  3. Documented systems and processes
  4. A clear growth story
  5. Strong market positioning
• Signs you’re just tired (not ready to sell): no succession plan, dependence on your role, rapid growth still underway.
• The hidden costs of selling too early—lower multiples, seller’s remorse, and leaving growth for the buyer.
• The dangers of waiting too long—declining performance, market shifts, and negative buyer perception.
• The self-check framework: 4 brutally honest questions to assess if your business could survive without you and appeal to buyers.
• How to prepare your deal room, leadership team, and transition plan before going to market.
• Sam’s Exit Readiness Action Plan—a step-by-step approach to maximise valuation and sell on your terms.

Links & Resources

• Want my to be in your corner? I have a small number of coaching spots available: sampenny.com/action
• Listen to more episodes of Built to Sell | Built to Buy: sampenny.com/podcast
• Download your free Business Sale Readiness Report: sampenny.com/readiness