This is Sean Hutchinson’s personal chronicles the journey of receiving the CEPA designation in 2008, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced by early adopters in the field of exit planning. Despite initial excitement, the concept of the "exit plan" faced resistance from business owners, prompting the development of innovative strategies like the Value Acceleration Methodology. Through perseverance and collaboration, the CEPA community has grown to 5000 members, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of this specialized profession.

RFN provides a comprehensive roadmap for business owners navigating the complexities of transitioning their businesses. Our Academy has programs highlighting the importance of understanding the spectrum of business transition options. Business owners are advised to evaluate options based on fit, feasibility, likelihood and to seek professional assistance. We believe in further exploration and personalized guidance, empowering owners to approach their business transition with confidence and strategic foresight.

The 12 must-read books for you and your clients.

From being ostracized or penalized because of success or achievements, to being told their ambition is annoying or makes superiors look bad, women are actively being punished for expressing interest in and pursuing success.

Whether you’re a diehard fan of new year’s resolutions or you’d prefer to ditch the resolutions in favor of something less rigid, there is something to be said about the power of strategic planning, specifically the act of setting goals, at the beginning of a new year. Much like wayfinding, goals are the signposts helping us navigate through uncharted or difficult territory. They’re how we can step back and take stock of our progress and determine what remains to be done.

Take it from Buddy, the happy-go-lucky elf played by Will Ferrell in the 2003 movie Elf, “there’s room for everyone on the Nice List!” Use this guide for last minute gift ideas or look ahead to the new year and add them to your own TBR (to be read) list. Happy new year and happy reading!

It feels so good when you have a great conversation. But what makes it great? Is it the person, topic, location or some other key feature?

In her book You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why it Matters, Kate Murphy argues conversations are best for all parties when each person feels truly heard. This requires truly listening. Learn more.

Despite the leaps and bounds towards gender equality society has made in the last few decades, working with women entrepreneurs remains an untapped market for transition planners. As a professional advisor, it is critical for you to understand the different approaches women typically take to owning a business so you can offer them the most impactful advice.

Julie Keyes, in a May 2022 EPI webinar, shares her experiences as a business owner and working with other women entrepreneurs so you get a feel for:

• What to expect

• How to use your knowledge strategically

• Common obstacles and how to address them

More than 40% of businesses in America are currently owned by women. This webinar will help position you to provide immediate value to women business owners, so you don’t miss out on quality clientele and they get the advice they deserve.

Ready for Next partner Sean Hutchinson presented on the mainstage at the 2022 EPI Summit. Using neuroscience and curiosity you can banish boredom from the kingdom and engage clients at a deeper, more meaningful level and collect enriched data for mutually beneficial interactions.

RFN Academy contributor Felicia Johnson exposes the three biggest diversity and inclusion myths.

Some people might be hesitant to explore diversity and inclusion because they believe acknowledging difference is a divisive act that creates rifts and inequality when in fact, the very opposite is true. individuals are wanting more connection within their workplace.

Read this blog to dispel these myths and how diversity and inclusion can build value in your compnay.

For those interested in excelling in complex environments, RFN team member John Lazar recommends Jennifer Garvey Berger’s book, Unlocking Leadership Mindtraps – How to Thrive in Complexity.

At Ready for Next we often discuss VUCA - volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. This book challenges us to consider mind traps and how our instincts may be outdated and lead us right into one.

Your 2022 goals mattered at the beginning of the year. Do they now?

While writing down goals is an important step in achieving them, so is regular review. If it’s been a while since you looked at your 2022 goals, there is no time like now to see how you are doing.

Visual language can keep a business plan, strategic plan or even common goals front and center. For most of us, after the planning session is complete the resulting document is filed away to be reviewed occasionally. Imagine if the plan was captured visually and lived on the wall or on your blotter for regular review.

What would it look like if you were “pre-forgiven” in your conversations? Would it change your approach? Would it improve conversations?

A pit crew demonstrates teamwork in a unique and very visual way. Ranging from a handful to a couple dozen people with a single purpose. It brings together multiple people with specialized skills and one shared goal.

Learn how your team can achieve similar purpose.

This webinar was originally presented through the Exit Planning Institute in April 2022 by Ready for Next team members Sean Hutchinson and Rob Johannigman.

Remember the early days in your career when you went to job interviews and you were so keen on impressing the potential employer that you didn’t stop to think if they were right for you?

New client engagements can sometimes feel the same. You want to impress the owner and are so confident you can bring value to their business that you blow past yellow lights. You head straight to the solution without knowing what all the issues are.

Empowering conversations and good client relationships should be mutually beneficial. You both have a voice in determining if you should engage in working together.

It is important to remember the client is the only one who can decide they have a need for your services. You may be the exact person with the exact right solution at the exact right time, and if the client doesn’t think they have a problem requiring you and your solution, then it doesn’t matter.

At RFN, we’re proponents of making the most of smart ideas. We’re resolute in our belief that thought leaders are life-long learners, committed not only to improving themselves but to sharing valuable resources with anyone who may benefit.

Enjoy this book review.

Think of the process as “know, like and trust.”

What makes your business money, may not be what drives value in it. Enterprise value comes from specific drivers and knowing your company's is important.

How do I know my value drivers? If you are a business owner, the answer to this question is important to you.

In November 2021 we heard from Joe Slatter, instructor of Introduction to Decision Dynamics – powered by Better Practice™. Joe will offer insight into his methodology that teaches teams to figure out what matters together, make better decisions faster and act together with grace and accountability. Joe calls this metacollaboration. Joe has worked with thousands of business owners and individuals to help their organizations improve self-leadership and work more effectively together.

This session will:

- Highlight the importance of cross-functional collaboration

- Explore ways to improve communication

- Understand ways to expedite team focus

- Determine next steps to better collaborate