Document an operations continuity plan

The ultimate test of a sellable business: does it keep delivering when the owner steps away? Operational continuity without you is what separates a real, transferable company from a job you own.

Do this

1. Remove yourself from day-to-day delivery.
2. Make sure systems, team, and SOPs cover everything you used to do.
3. Test it with a real absence (take a long break).
4. Fix whatever breaks while you're gone.

The Owner-Absence Test

Take two weeks fully off — no calls, no email. Then look at what happened:

• Did jobs get delivered on time and to standard? • Did problems get solved without you? • Did customers and suppliers get handled? • Did anything only YOU could do break?

Every break you find is a system, SOP, or hire to put in place. When the business runs a two-week absence cleanly, it's truly continuity-ready — and that's exactly what a buyer pays a premium for.