The Data-Driven Approach to Business Growth & Sellability
Mon Jan 26 2026
In this episode of the Exit Ready Business podcast, host David Fisher discusses the complexities of business sellability and the importance of strategic planning for business owners. They are joined by Michael Haynes, a business growth consultant from Listen Innovate Grow.
He shares insights on leveraging data, understanding market dynamics, and the significance of industry associations. The conversation emphasises the need for clarity in business goals, the value of analysing existing customers, and the potential for collaboration with competitors. Michael provides actionable strategies for business owners looking to grow and prepare for an eventual exit, highlighting the importance of involving the team in the planning process.
Michael shares his SME B2B Go-To-Market Playbook with our listeners, built specifically for B2B Accounting firms, CFO Advisory/Fractional CFO practices, and B2B Tech/IT services firms.
https://listeninnovategrow.com/sme-playbook/
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Business Sellability
02:49The Importance of Data in Business
05:56Understanding Your Market and Clients
08:38Leveraging Industry Associations
11:58Competitors as Collaborators
14:52Growth Strategies for Business Exit
17:43Transitioning Business Ownership
20:40Identifying Opportunities for Growth
23:45The 80/20 Rule in Business
26:48Phased Approach to Business Focus
29:35Exit Strategies for Tech Companies
32:29Workshopping Your Business Goals
35:44Empowering Your Team for Growth
38:16Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
A big thank you to Business Exit & Beyond, our podcast sponsor
https://businessexitbeyond.com/
And we are always looking for guests on The Exit-Ready Business Podcast
Past guests and a booking calendar below
https://hub.businessexitbeyond.com/podcast
More
In this episode of the Exit Ready Business podcast, host David Fisher discusses the complexities of business sellability and the importance of strategic planning for business owners. They are joined by Michael Haynes, a business growth consultant from Listen Innovate Grow. He shares insights on leveraging data, understanding market dynamics, and the significance of industry associations. The conversation emphasises the need for clarity in business goals, the value of analysing existing customers, and the potential for collaboration with competitors. Michael provides actionable strategies for business owners looking to grow and prepare for an eventual exit, highlighting the importance of involving the team in the planning process. Michael shares his SME B2B Go-To-Market Playbook with our listeners, built specifically for B2B Accounting firms, CFO Advisory/Fractional CFO practices, and B2B Tech/IT services firms. https://listeninnovategrow.com/sme-playbook/ Chapters 00:00Introduction to Business Sellability 02:49The Importance of Data in Business 05:56Understanding Your Market and Clients 08:38Leveraging Industry Associations 11:58Competitors as Collaborators 14:52Growth Strategies for Business Exit 17:43Transitioning Business Ownership 20:40Identifying Opportunities for Growth 23:45The 80/20 Rule in Business 26:48Phased Approach to Business Focus 29:35Exit Strategies for Tech Companies 32:29Workshopping Your Business Goals 35:44Empowering Your Team for Growth 38:16Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways A big thank you to Business Exit & Beyond, our podcast sponsor https://businessexitbeyond.com/ And we are always looking for guests on The Exit-Ready Business Podcast Past guests and a booking calendar below https://hub.businessexitbeyond.com/podcast