In this episode, Richard talks to Laura Cook. She’s a strategic advisor who helps expert business owners earning between 250k and £3 million break free from the trap of being tied to the day-to-day business.

She works with founders who feel stretched thin and want to scale the business without losing quality or burning out. She positions them for freedom for growth and even multimillion pound exits.

Laura has helped numerous business owners to triple their valuations, slash their working hours and build businesses that thrive without them.

Richard asks Laura what business owners should do if they don’t think they need an exit strategy or think the company can’t run without them. She shares her advice for preparing for unexpected time off, setting up processes for others to follow and how to strategically prepare your MSP for sale.

Laura talks through how to make yourself a good financial acquisition and why the specific vendors in your stack matter less than the tools you offer. She talks honestly about how to sell a family or close-knit business and what to do if you think your exiting would rock the boat.

Laura explains that you don’t have to transition all in one go, and touches on both the emotional side of a business exit, having the right mindset and how to deal with a sense of loss once you do leave. And if you’re feeling burnt out, why you shouldn’t just jump ship.

Richard asks Laura to talk about some of the practicalities, too. She addresses how to assess the value of your MSP and why having a niche can make your MSP more valuable. She also explains why you should plan your exit even if you change your mind later.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Laura Cook website
• PSA/RMM tool: SuperOps
• IT management software: ConnectWise
• PSA software: Autotask
• Book: Michael Gerber: The E-Myth Revisited
• Personal brand expert: Laura Pearman
• Personality test: Gallup StrengthsFinder