Finish Big

How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top

By: Bo Burlingham

Narrated by: Sean Pratt

"No two exit experiences are exactly alike. Some people wind up happy with the process and satisfied with the way it turned out, while others look back on it as a nightmare. The question I hope to answer in this audiobook is why. What did the people with 'good' exits do differently from those who'd had 'bad' exits?" When pioneering business journalist and Inc. magazine editor at large Bo Burlingham wrote Small Giants, it became an instant classic for its original take on a common business problem - how to handle the pressure to grow. Now Burlingham is back to tackle an even more common problem - how to exit your company well. Sooner or later, all entrepreneurs leave their businesses and all businesses get sold, given away, or liquidated. Whatever your preferred outcome, you need to start planning for it while you still have time and options. The beautiful part is that if you start early enough, the process will lead you to build a better, stronger, more resilient company, as well as one with a higher market value. Unfortunately, most owners don't start early enough - and pay a steep price for their procrastination.

Burlingham interviewed dozens of entrepreneurs across a range of industries and identified eight key factors that determine whether owners are happy after leaving their businesses. His book showcases the insights, exit plans, and cautionary tales of entrepreneurs such as Ray Pagano: founder of a leading manufacturer of housings for security cameras. He turned down a bid for his company and instead changed his management style, resulting in a subsequent sale for four times the original offer. Bill Niman: founder of the iconic Niman Ranch, which revolutionized the meat industry. He learned about unhappy exits when he was forced to sell to private equity investors, leaving him with nothing to show for his 35 years in business.

©2014 Bo Burlingham (P)2014 Gildan Media LLC

Critic reviews

"I love Burlingham's quest... Practical and profound, fast-moving and thought-provoking, masterful in its clear prose and compelling stories..." (Jim Collins, author of Good to Great and coauthor of Built to Last and Great by Choice)

Just what I needed.

Just the early stage of planning my exit, and this book was filled with insights, wisdom, stories and warning signs that I know will help me navigate this process even better than I could’ve without this book.

Timely

Everyone exits their business one way or another. So true! Great book to read to make you start to have the right mindset

Solid in practical information

As a first time entrepreneur this book gave me very solid insight into what it takes to prepare for both growing and selling a company. Then it was a strong reminder to be prepared for the time after the sale. It left me energized to continue the journey and excited for the exit.

Great stories. Great book for anyone who runs their own business

There are lessons here whether you plan to sell your business or not. No matter what everyone thinks, there is so much more to selling a business than money.

A very informative and interesting book

This was an easy listening with plenty of stories about people who sold their baby. Lots of good advice on how to prepare and maximize the value of your business.

Definitely a needed view. Thank you!

It's amazing that we don't hear more about from entrepreneurs about their exit experiences. It's good to have an idea of what to expect so we can prepare for it. Thanks for this!

Game changer

great perspective and fabulous road map for me. 2nd generation owner of 30 year old company!

Essential reading for company owners contemplating an exit

While not a "how to" book, this will written work will help many owners think through, not only the sale of their company, but the all important "life after business". It offers insights into a range of owners and outcomes, and more than a few essential lessons. I'm definitely going to listen to this book I again.

Begin with the end in mind

This is a poignant description of how a business sale can work. It shows the loss many feel after selling their baby. It also shows how preparing for an exit can improve a business. No business library is complete without this excellent book. I also strongly recommend Street Smarts, by the same author, which shares the business advice of Norm Brodsky.

Good book

Good book lots of good points must read. Was then now 15 word min haha. Me too