Built to Sell - by John Warrillow (Paperback)

About the Book

According to Warrillow, the number one mistake entrepreneurs make is to build a business that relies too heavily on them. Here he presents a business parable about how to create a start-up that won't trap an owner when he wants to sell it.

Book Synopsis

Run your company. Don't let it run you.

Most business owners started their company because they wanted more freedom--to work on their own schedules, make the kind of money they deserve, and eventually retire on the fruits of their labor.

Unfortunately, according to John Warrillow, most owners find that stepping out of the picture is extremely difficult because their business relies too heavily on their personal involvement. Without them, their company--no matter how big or profitable--is essentially worthless.

But the good news is that entrepreneurs can take specific steps--no matter what stage a business is in--to create a valuable, sellable company. Warrillow shows exactly what it takes to create a solid business that can thrive long into the future.

Review Quotes

"John does a masterful job of illuminating the qualities that business buyers look for in a company, and he does it in a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging manner."
--Bo Burlingham, author of Small Giants (from the Foreword)

"There is no tooth fairy for selling a business. It takes planning and a real understanding of what works. I bet you'll find yourself (like me) recommending this book to your friends who want to sell their businesses one day but don't understand what that's going to take."
--Seth Godin, author of Linchpin

About the Author

John Warrillow is the author of Built To Sell: Turn Your Business Into One You Can Sell. Throughout his career as an entrepreneur, John has started and exited four companies. Most recently he transformed Warrillow & Co. from a boutique consultancy into a recurring revenue model subscription business, which he sold to The Corporate Executive Board (NASDAQ: EXBD) in 2008. He is the author of Drilling for Gold and in 2008 was recognized by BtoB Magazine's "Who's Who" list as one of America's most influential business-to-business marketers.