Exit Strategy book cover by Rob Walling and Sherry Walling

THE ENTREPRENEUR’S GUIDE TO SELLING YOUR BUSINESS WITHOUT REGRET

A comprehensive guide to exiting your business: from nailing your timing to surviving the sale and figuring out what’s next.

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“Rob and Sherry Walling have written the guide that will help you navigate this critical moment with confidence.”

- John Warrillow Founder & CEO, The Value Builder System™

MANY ENTREPRENEURS LAUNCH VENTURES.
ONLY A SELECT FEW ACHIEVE A SUCCESSFUL EXIT.

You have one shot to sell your business. Don’t leave your legacy to chance — or your hard-earned money on the table

Who should read this book?

Founders who spent years creating something meaningful, and now want to exit with confidence and clarity. Entrepreneurs at any stage—even those not yet considering an exit, to ensure they are prepared for when that time arrives. Whether you run a SaaS company, an e-commerce business, or a brick-and-mortar store, Rob and Sherry Walling will guide you through one of the most sought-after and yet toughest transitions of your entrepreneurial journey.

Open Exit Strategy spread with Chapter 7, “Collateral Damage: Minimizing Negative Impact.”
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Why should you read this book?

Selling your business is one of the most significant decisions you will ever make. It isn’t just a financial transaction—it’s a major life transition that impacts your identity, your relationships, and your mental health. Exit Strategy offers frameworks and actionable steps to ensure you sell without regrets, setting you up for success in the next phase of your life.

Who shouldn’t read this book?

Founders looking for a purely technical guide to deal structures and legal processes or a one-size-fits-all playbook for every aspect of the sale. While Exit Strategy covers most practical basics, it also focuses on the emotional aspects of selling a business. This is for founders who want to protect their mental health, relationships, and legacy (as well as their hard-earned money) as they navigate the exit.

Open Exit Strategy pages 256–257 with excerpts about the difference between full and whole and exploring what’s next

TESTIMONIALS

In Exit Strategy, Rob and Sherry Walling share their unique combination of practical savvy and emotional insight, helping founders navigate one of the most critical moments of their entrepreneurial journey.

Rob Walling and Sherry Walling speaking onstage at MicroConf Europe

Exit Strategy will teach you:

Frameworks to Plan Your Exit:
Actionable steps to prepare you not just for landing your dream deal but for the often overlooked emotional rollercoaster.

Strategies to Protect What Matters:
How to safeguard your relationships, mental health, and financial stability during this high-demanding stage of your business.

Wisdom from Those Who’ve Done It:
Real-life stories from founders who’ve successfully managed their own exits, providing you with insights and lessons on what to expect and how to thrive.

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This Book is a Must If:

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You want to avoid million-dollar mistakes when selling and don’t want to be left wondering, ‘What if’

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You’re struggling with the emotional toll of letting go and worried about what comes next.

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You want to protect what matters most—your relationships, well-being, and legacy.

Three Pillars for a Successful Exit

Section 1: One of the Hardest Things You Will Ever Do

From confronting the reality of letting go of what you've built to understanding the factors that shape your feelings about selling, this section equips you with the insights to begin your exit journey with clarity and purpose.

Section 2: The Nuts and Bolts of Getting It Right

A deep dive into the mechanics of deal-making, from identifying the right buyer to deal structures and negotiations. It also addresses the importance of having a strong support team and practical strategies to minimize the impact on your mental and physical health.

Section 3: AFTER THE INK DRIES

The immediate and long-term opportunities that come with exiting your business. Practical guidance on managing newfound wealth, reinventing personal and professional identities, and nurturing relationships affected by the transition.

Open Exit Strategy pages 216–217 with an active recovery framework

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About the Authors

Dr. Sherry Walling is a clinical psychologist, speaker, award-winning author, and mental health advocate specializing in the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs. With a PhD in clinical psychology, Sherry has completed research fellowships at Yale University School of Medicine and the National Center for PTSD. Her books, The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Sh*t Together and Touching Two Worlds, and her ZenFounder podcast, offer deep insights into managing stress, trauma, and grief, particularly in the entrepreneurial world. 

Rob Walling is a serial entrepreneur who has built (and sometimes successfully exited) multiple companies, including Drip, MicroConf, and TinySeed. He’s the host of Startups for the Rest of Us and has written six books about startups, including Start Small, Stay Small, The SaaS Playbook, Idea to Traction, and Exit Strategy.

Portrait of Sherry and Rob Walling

SHERRY & ROB HAVE BEEN FEATURED IN: