CFO Lauren Colson tells us how founders can clean up their financials so buyers trust the numbers. Plus, our new course, The Exit Playbook, is live!

Many founders think their books are in good shape — until a buyer starts asking questions.

In this interview episode, you’ll learn:

• How buyers evaluate financials during diligence
• Common bookkeeping mistakes that raise red flags
• How to clean up financials without an accounting background
• Why accrual accounting is often required for a sale
• When to start preparing for an exit

Plus, for $200 OFF our new course, The Exit Playbook, use discount code TGAPODCAST at checkout.

Resources:

• The Exit Playbook: Built Smart Now & Sell For More Later
• Lauren's firm, Colson Strategies
• Full transcript of this episode
• Our free newsletter

We’ve interviewed nearly 300 founders, and the same challenge keeps surfacing as the most demanding part of selling a business. Here’s what they wish they’d known sooner.

What you’ll learn:

• What buyers really look for once the LOI is signed
• Why this phase can unexpectedly impact revenue
• How founders can delegate and prepare before entering this stage
• Steps sellers take to make the process smoother and faster

Full transcript | Our newsletter

Two days before closing the sale of her business, a founder called me in a panic. She wasn’t sure if she should take the deal — or walk away.

Here's what I shared with her:
• How to compare a “low” multiple with unusually strong deal terms
• Why all-cash offers are rare — especially for agencies
• When running a full process can increase price
• Why overthinking can cause founders to miss great deals
• How life goals influence the “right” financial outcome

Full transcript | Our newsletter