Having opted-in and built a successful enterprise, accomplished entrepreneurs face the prospect of opting-out someday when they are ready to sell their business and do other things.

In a  study called "Exiting your Business: Serendipity or Strategy," researchers found that most small business owners don't have an exit strategy in place, and offer terrific advice on how they should think smarter about an eventual exit. 

The study conducted in-depth interviews with 9 women executives who sold their businesses which each generated at least $4M in annual revenues.   Here's what these 9 entrepreneuers recommend for considering the possibility of a sale in the future:

•    Run a business every day as if it’s for sale.

•    Be aware of your goals and parameters by knowing what is acceptable for you in a sale.

•    Don’t publicize prematurely to employees or others who could be affected that you are considering a sale.  When you are ready to sell, be decisive.

•    Get buyers’ promises in writing and find a buyer who shares your vision.  Include conditions of the business and the sale in the sales documents.

•    Develop your own investment and insurance portfolio separate from your business.

For more perspective on this topic, visit my article from Enterprising Women magazine in the HR OptIn Reading Room.