Thinking, "I'm considering selling my business in the next few years"? The decisions you make now could mean the difference between a smooth, lucrative exit and a stressful, underwhelming one.

At Infinity Business Brokers, we’ve helped business owners plan and execute exits at every stage. And if you're 3–5 years out, you're in the ideal position to take control of the outcome. That window gives you time to shape your business into something buyers actively compete for.

Here’s how to use the next few years wisely to maximize your valuation, attract serious buyers, and exit on your own terms.

1. Systematize the Business — And Yourself Out of It

Buyers are looking for businesses that can run without the current owner at the center of every operation. If you’re still involved in most day-to-day tasks, that’s a red flag to buyers, and a discount on your valuation.

Start now by:

• Documenting workflows, customer onboarding, vendor processes, and financial reporting

• Delegating responsibilities and building a second layer of leadership

• Cross-training your team to ensure continuity

Think of it this way: if a buyer can’t step in with just 2–4 weeks of training and run the business confidently, they’ll see your exit as a liability, not an opportunity.

2. Get Your Financials Buyer-Ready

One of the biggest deal-killers we see is disorganized or opaque financial records. If your books don’t tell a clear story, the buyer walks, or offers 20–40% less.

Work with an Accountant or CPA to:

• Clean up your P&L and balance sheet

• Separate personal and business expenses

• Track KPIs consistently

• Prepare for due diligence by documenting recurring revenue, margin trends, and customer churn (if applicable)

You’re not just selling your history, you’re selling future potential. Clean financials make that potential believable.

3. Plan Your Tax Strategy Well in Advance

Tax planning isn’t a last-minute game. Certain tax-saving structures and depreciation strategies need years of planning.

Meet with a financial advisor and Accountant now to explore:

• Entity restructuring implications (ie: C-corp vs. S-corp implications)

• Capital gains timing and offset strategies

• Retirement funding and reinvestment options

• Deal structuring possibilities to limit capital gains

A year out is often too late to implement most of these effectively. But with 3–5 years, your options open up dramatically.

4. Define Your Target Exit Number — And Reverse Engineer It

What’s your number?

Too many business owners say, “I’ll sell when I get a good offer.” But smart exits start with a clear financial goal, then work backward from there.

Ask yourself:

• How much do I need to net after taxes to retire or move to my next venture?

• What multiple does my business need to sell at to reach that number?

• What changes will increase that multiple (e.g., recurring revenue, team depth, geographic expansion)?

With 3–5 years, we can help you reverse-engineer that number and start building toward it methodically.

5. Understand the Market for Your Type of Business

Every industry has its nuances. The buyers for a restaurant aren’t the same as those for a property management company or e-commerce business.

We analyze comps and market activity to help owners position their business properly and time their exit strategically. Trends change, and having an experienced guide can help you exit at the peak instead of the valley.

Ready to Start to Maximize Your Exit Strategy?

Whether you're three years or five years from walking away, the work you do today can multiply your outcome tomorrow and maximize your exit strategy outcome. Preparing early gives you options, and options give you leverage.

👉 Schedule a confidential strategy call now

Let’s talk about your timeline, your goals, and how to maximize your exit.