The Real Reason Owners Delay Exit Planning—and How to Break Through Many owners assume that planning for their exit begins once they’ve decided to leave. But the reality is that effective planning starts well before that decision. By engaging owners early and reinforcing the value of growth-focused strategies, advisors can ensure a smoother transition and more favorable outcomes for all involved. “I’ll plan my exit when I’m ready to leave.” This common mindset among business owners is one of the biggest challenges advisors face. But overcoming this misperception doesn’t require magic—it requires clear, consistent communication that educates and empowers. At BEI, we regularly hear from advisors looking for a reliable way to engage reluctant business owners in planning their exits. While we have proven tools to help convert hesitation into action, the first step is understanding why so many owners delay planning in the first place. Why Exit Planning Can’t Wait: The Risk of an Unprepared Business Most business owners know their companies aren’t ready to run without them—yet many still postpone planning. Why? Because they assume they’ll have time to prepare when the moment to exit finally arrives. But experienced advisors know better: preparing a business for a successful exit takes years, not months. The earlier owners start, the more control they have over the outcome. Closing the Communication Gap At the end of the day, owner inaction isn’t about unwillingness—it’s about unfamiliarity. Advisors who succeed are those who make Exit Planning familiar, relevant, and urgent through ongoing education and encouragement. If you want to help business owners act, keep showing up with valuable information, insights, and motivation. Because when owners understand the stakes—and see the benefits—they’ll start planning with purpose.
The CExP™ Roadmap: A Structured Path to Exit Planning Certification The Certified Exit Planner (CExP™) designation is more than a credential—it’s a comprehensive roadmap. Become a Certified Exit Planner with BEI’s Proven Training Path BEI’s Certified Exit Planner (CExP™) designation is the industry’s most trusted credential for advisors who want to lead business owners through a proven Exit Planning process. Our Exit Planning certification program includes a structured learning path—from foundational training to advanced strategy—to help you become a confident and capable Exit Planning professional. Key Components of the CExP™ Roadmap: 1 Foundation Building Begin with the Exit Planning Boot Camp to grasp the essentials of owner-centric Exit Planning. 2 Advanced Strategies Progress to the Advanced Exit Planning Series (AExP) to delve deeper into complex planning scenarios and solutions. 3 Certification Achievement Culminate your training by passing the CExP™ Designation Exam, demonstrating your expertise and commitment to excellence in Exit Planning. The Complete BEI Training Roadmap: Learn, Apply, Certify 1. Exit Planning Boot Camp Foundations of Exit Planning $1,495 Learn the fundamentals of BEI’s proven Exit Planning process Virtual or in-person course over 4 days Gain confidence in marketing Exit Planning to clients and prospects Use expert tools to engage business owners and drive next steps Create customized, actionable Exit Plans Lead or collaborate within a multidisciplinary advisor team Register Now Next Exit Planning Bootcamp: Sep 8-12, 2025 2. Advanced Exit Planning Series (AExP) Expand your Exit Planning knowledge $4,000 Builds on concepts introduced in the Exit Planning Bootcamp Bi-weekly in-person or virtual sessions with 40-60 hours of self-paced learning over 6 weeks Explore advanced topics—from business continuity to estate planning strategies 7 interactive case study sessions to apply concepts with peers Integrated assessments to reinforce and measure your progress Practical, real-world strategies to enhance client outcomes and grow your practice Register Now Prerequisite: Bootcamp within previous 12 months. Next AExP Series: Sep-Nov 2025 3. CExP™ Designation Exam Put your knowledge to the test and earn your certification $1,795 Nationally recognized CExP™ (Certified Exit Planner) credential Self-paced online essay exam — 20-40 hours Deepen business-owner client relationships Transition from product sales to strategic advising Reinforce your role as a thought leader in Exit Planning Register Now Prerequisite: AExP Series completed within previous 12 months World-Class Training That Drives Real Results BEI’s training programs are nationally recognized as the gold standard in Exit Planning education. Whether you’re looking to add business succession planning to your wheelhouse, or want to become a leader in the industry, we’re here to help you on your journey. There’s more after certification. Advisors who earn their CExP® and join BEI as members unlock the full potential of Exit Planning. Membership includes a comprehensive suite of engagement tools, customizable deliverables, and ongoing coaching from a network of experienced professionals. Everything we teach is built for real-world use—giving you the resources to implement, succeed, and turn your expertise into revenue. Explore Membership Options More Professional Insights from BEI Exit Planning Articles More Articles
Business Exit Planning Solutions Add Your Heading Text Here Helping advisors grow with Exit Planning since 1996. At BEI we equip business advisors with the tools, training, and support they need to lead successful Exit Planning engagements. Whether you’re guiding owners through their transition or expanding your advisory services, our solutions are built to help you grow. Book a Demo Explore Membership Options Driving Real Results for Advisors and Their Business Owner Clients 1.5x Avg Business Value Growth $750B In Owner Exits Facilitated 25+ Years of Industry Leadership Membership Options for Every Advisory Practice Designed to match the goals of both you and your business owner clients, from foundational networking and support to advanced Exit Planning tools. Chapter Network and collaborate with a diverse group of advisors Marketing Develop your brand into an Exit Planning authority Owner Based Planning Discovery to solutions in just three meetings Exit Planning A premiere suite of tools and resources for Exit Planning advisors Trusted by Leading Organizations Top-performing insurance and financial professionals use BEI’s industry-leading tools for Exit Planning and Owner Based Planning to deepen advisor-client relationships, uncover planning opportunities, and drive revenue. Explore Memberships Get Certified Whatever Your Role, We’ve Got You Covered We designed our tools and services to support you no matter what your profession or offering. From Owner Based Planning to Exit Planning to Value Drivers, we’re helping advisors like you grow faster, serve better, and stand out. Book a Demo Become a Member Get Your CExP™ Certified Exit Planner Credential with BEI The CExP™ designation for business advisors begins with the industry’s most advanced training to help you become a confident and capable Exit Planning professional. And we won’t leave you hanging—after certification we provide ongoing education plus valuable membership options to support your practice as it grows. Learn more Speak to a real person. Give us a call or email us! We have real people who’d love to help you find the best solutions for your advisory practice. OFFICE HOURS Monday – Friday: 8am – 5pm MST (we honor major US holidays) CALL DURING OFFICE HOURS 303-321-2242 Toll free: 888-206-3009 EMAIL ANYTIME General info: info@exitplanning.com Support: support@exitplanning.com More Professional Insights from BEI Exit Planning Blog Articles More Articles
Exclusive Training & Planning Benefits with BEI From Discovery to Revenue in Just Three Meetings As a valued Pacific Life advisor, you have access to exclusive offers from BEI, the leader in Owner Based Planning and Exit Planning solutions. Whether you want to sharpen your planning skills, grow your client base, or identify more insurance opportunities, we’ve built a streamlined approach to help you get there. Book a Demo What is Owner Based Planning? Owner Based Planning (OBP) is a proactive, strategic framework that helps advisors guide business owners through building value, minimizing risk, and ensuring continuity. OBP offers a holistic approach to help business owners strengthen their operations and secure their legacy—providing insurance advisors with a structured process to identify and capitalize on sales opportunities earlier in the planning process— in just three meetings. Book a Demo Why Insurance Advisors Need Owner Based Planning Exit Planning 0 + months Owner Based Planning 0 weeks Engage Business Owners Early: Use OBP to open up budgeting and protection needs discussions within just three meetings. Accelerate Sales Opportunities: Move quickly from initial discovery to presenting tailored insurance solutions. Differentiate Your Services: Evolve above and beyond traditional pipelines by leveraging strategic planning. Generate More Revenue: Unlock larger sales through a process culminating in your products and services in addressing business owner goals. How OBP Supports You 1. Training & Onboarding Start strong with structured training and a guided 90-day coaching experience to help you confidently integrate Owner Based Planning into your practice. 2. Plan Design Resources Access customizable tools, including PlanIt—our advanced planning software—and receive expert guidance to uncover owner goals and deliver comprehensive, actionable recommendations including insurance solutions. 3. Ongoing Support Continue growing with dedicated Customer Success resources and a network of planning experts to support implementation and long-term success. Exclusive Pricing for Pacific Life Advisors Talk to a BEI representative about exclusive pricing and how you can getstarted with Owner Based Planning. Book a Demo Speak to a real person. Give us a call or email us! We have real people who’d love to chat with you. OFFICE HOURS Monday – Friday: 8am – 5pm MST (we honor major US holidays) CALL DURING OFFICE HOURS 303-321-2242 Toll free: 888-206-3009 EMAIL ANYTIME General info: info@exitplanning.com Support: support@exitplanning.com More Professional Insights from BEI Exit Planning Articles More Articles
Climb Higher at BEI Exit Planning Conference 2025, Sep 23-24! You asked for more case studies and this year is jam packed, including exclusive pre-conference workshops Sep 22. Elevate your Exit Planning or Owner Based Planning practice at BEI ExitCon!
The Complete Business Exit Planning Toolkit Supercharge your Exit Planning advisory business with cutting-edge tools, tailored strategies, and unmatched resources and support–all included with a BEI Exit Planning Membership. Deliver exceptional Exit Plans and exceed client expectations Empower business owners to successfully exit their businesses leveraging tools, resources, and strategies from the best in Exit Planning. Sign Up Now BEI Exit Planning Membership gets you: Exit Planning Software Create detailed, customized Exit Plans with pre-built recommendations and interactive deliverables. Flexible Reporting Options Create drafts for every stage of Exit Planning, from proposal through exploration and implementation. Advisor Collaboration Tools Work seamlessly with other advisors to ensure strategy alignment and effective execution. Personalized Plan Reviews Get expert feedback to enhance the quality and impact of your client Exit Plans. Streamlined client engagement tools Discovery & Assessment ToolsSimplify the process of uncovering client goals and challenges with easy-to-use assessments tailored for business owners. Personalized Client Reports & ProposalsCraft professional, tailored reports that clearly outline goals, strategies, and actionable next steps for your clients. Help them visualize their path forward with clarity and confidence. The industry standard Exit Planning platform included with every BEI Exit Planning Membership Access intelligent Exit Planning software that lets you develop customized Exit Plans using your expertise or draw from an extensive library of battle tested recommendations. Speak With Us Sign Up Now Advanced Exit Planning & Collaboration Tools Interactive Planning Deliverables Deliver actionable plans, including financial roadmaps and implementation schedules, that engage clients and their teams in the process.Advisor Collaboration Tools Coordinate seamlessly with other advisors involved in the planning process to ensure alignment and execution. Premiere Benefits of a BEI Exit Planning Membership For advisors ready to become an expert in Exit Planning and exceed client expectations Everything in Chapter and Marketing Memberships PLUS:✓ PlanIt Software Platform✓ Interactive deliverables✓ Flexible reporting options✓ Advisor collaboration tools✓ Personalized Exit Plan reviews $ 10,000 /yr Sign Up Now Explore All BEI Memberships Why Choose BEI Exit Planning Membership? The BEI Exit Planning Membership takes your advisory practice to the next level – providing the expert tools and top-level resources you need to create, execute, and deliver exceptional exit plans. Speak With Us Sign Up Now Level up your advisory business Build CredibilityElevate your reputation with business owners through polished, branded content and actionable deliverables. Save TimeStreamline client engagement, planning, and marketing processes to focus on what matters most: building relationships and solving problems. Enhance CollaborationLeverage the expertise of other advisors, connecting with like-minded professionals worldwide to address complex client needs. Drive ResultsDeliver customized solutions that help business owners achieve their personal and financial goals with confidence. Sign Up Now Exit Planning Membership FAQs What makes the Exit Planning Membership unique? The BEI Exit Planning Membership includes everything in the Marketing and Chapter Memberships plus advanced tools like PlanIt, the leading Exit Planning software platform for creating personalized, actionable Exit Plans. How does the PlanIt Software Platform work? PlanIt simplifies Exit Planning with phased deliverables and a vast library of pre-built recommendations. When you sign up for a BEI Planning Membership, you’ll be able to log in to the platform for exclusive access to the Exit Planning software and advisor collaboration tools. Can I use the BEI Exit Planning Membership for collaborative projects? Yes, you can seamlessly collaborate with other advisors to create cohesive, high-impact plans for your clients. What kind of support is included? The BEI Exit Planning Membership includes personalized guidance from BEI’s Client Success team, ensuring you get the most out of the tools. Can I upgrade from another membership to the BEI Exit Planning Membership? Yes, you can upgrade from another membership at any time to access additional tools, resources, and advanced planning capabilities. Contact us if you’d like help upgrading your membership. Can I get a PlanIt trial account? Currently, we do not offer trial accounts. Contact us for a personalized demo and to learn more about how PlanIt can meet your needs, ensuring you achieve your advisory goals with confidence. Have additional questions? Start a dialogue with an Exit Planning expert at BEI
Expand Your Business Advisory Practice with Owner Based Planning BEI Owner Based Planning Membership was especially designed for insurance advisors, financial advisors, and other business planners wanting to offer more to their clients. Book a Demo Discovery to revenue-generating solutions in three meetings. Designed to build value today and prepare for tomorrow, the BEI Owner Based Planning Membership equips advisors with a proven process and software tools to help business owners achieve growth, minimize risk, and plan for the future. Sign Up Now BEI Owner Based Planning Membership gets you: Proven Planning Framework Help business owners achieve their goals through a structured process. Expert Collaboration Teams Collaborate with a powerhouse of expertise to deliver exceptional results. Tailored Recommendations Deliver actionable, owner-centric solutions with written recommendations. Owner Based Planning for business advisors Discover a direct path from your client’s goals to the solutions you can offer them. Building Business Value Increase profitability, enhance operations, and develop leadership. Minimizing Risk Protect against financial, legal, and operational vulnerabilities. Ensuring Continuity Secure the future with strategies for business longevity and seamless transitions. Who is BEI? ✓ Business consultants with 25+ years of planning experience✓ Over 10,000 successful business transitions✓ Your trusted business planning partner Speak With an Expert from Our Team About OBP Owner Based Planning Membership Transform your practice and help business owners achieve success ✓ Owner Discovery & Assessment ✓ Personalized Recommendations ✓ Value Driver Strategies ✓ Access to Expert Advisory Teams ✓ Implementation Action Plan ✓ PlanIt for Owner Based Planning$6500/yr Sign Up Now Explore All BEI Memberships Recommendations for Your Business Owner Clients BEI Owner Based Planning Membership empowers advisors with the tools and resources to provide tailored recommendations that enhance business operations, safeguard key assets, and create a foundation for long-term success. Here are some examples: Building Value Non-qualified deferred compensation Cash flow growth strategies Management development Management transition roadmaps Minimizing Risk Personal insurance Personal financial plan revisions Personal asset protection Key person life insurance Ensuring Continuity Stay & continuity bonus programs Business asset protection Buy-out or buy-back deals Insurance-funded Buy-Sell Agreements How OBP Supports You 1. Training & Onboarding Start strong with structured training and a guided 90-day coaching experience to help you confidently integrate Owner Based Planning into your practice. 2. Plan Design Resources Access customizable tools, including PlanIt—our advanced planning software—and receive expert guidance to uncover owner goals and deliver comprehensive, actionable recommendations including insurance solutions. 3. Ongoing Support Continue growing with dedicated Customer Success resources and a network of planning experts to support implementation and long-term success. BEI Owner Based Planning Membership FAQs What is the Owner Based Planning process? The Owner Based Planning process is a comprehensive framework for business advisors like you, that guides you through discovery of business owner objectives, creation of a custom assessment based on business owner goals, and the delivery of personalized, actionable recommendations to achieve growth, minimize risks, and ensure continuity for their business. Your BEI Owner Based Planning Membership includes resources that allow you to create OBP Plans, build out your advisor team, and track progress of your OBP Plans over time. How does the BEI Owner Based Planning Membership differ from other BEI Memberships? Unlike other BEI Memberships that primarily emphasize Exit Planning or succession planning, the BEI Owner Based Planning Membership is designed for advisors with business owner clients who are not yet ready to transition out but want to build value and prepare for long-term success. What types of recommendations will I receive? From growth strategies to risk mitigation and continuity planning, you’ll receive actionable recommendations packaged as a comprehensive plan for business owners. What is PlanIt for Owner Based Planning? PlanIt for Owner Based Planning, included with every BEI Owner Based Planning Membership, is a comprehensive web-based software platform that allows you to create owner assessments, deliver custom recommendations, and keep track of advisors you may be working with for each of your business owner clients. Have additional questions? Start a dialogue with an Exit Planning expert at BEI
Business Exit Planning Networking for Advisors & Consultants Grow your Exit Planning business by diving into real-world case studies in collaboration with a diverse group of professional advisors. Collaborate with the best in Exit Planning Cultivate your Exit Planning expertise, gain valuable resources, and increase your visibility as a business advisor under a structured forum curated by BEI Chapter Leaders in concert with Exit Planning experts at BEI. Find a Chapter in Your Region BEI Chapter Membership gets you: Community Connect and cultivate your expertise with a diverse network of Exit Planning advisors across specialties. Trusted Resources Share case studies and resources in a time-tested framework to offer your clients more value. Visibility & Branding Extend your business reach and elevate your standing locally, regionally and nationally. Revenue Generation Leverage referrals and insights from Exit Planning leaders to expand your practice and grow business revenue. All the benefits of a BEI Chapter Membership For advisors wanting to connect with and learn from a diverse group of Exit Planners ✓ Local Chapter Membership✓ Monthly Chapter meetings✓ Revenue generating collaboration✓ Diverse advisor network✓ Referrals from Exit Planning peers✓ Insights from trusted business advisors✓ Member Directory $500/yr Sign Up Now Explore All BEI Memberships Interested in becoming a BEI Chapter Leader? BEI is seeking a diverse selection of Exit Planning thought leaders to helm BEI Chapters in locations across the US BEI Chapter Leaders represent the best in Exit Planning across the country. As a BEI Chapter Leader, you’ll position yourself as a top resource in Exit Planning with exclusive access to BEI Exit Planning experts and comprehensive BEI Chapter Leader resources to curate monthly BEI Chapter meetings for a mix of skilled business advisors in your region. Become a BEI Chapter Leader BEI Chapter Membership FAQs Have additional questions? Start a dialogue with an Exit Planning expert at BEI
Sam Wo, a 115-year-old Chinatown institution, faces closure as its owner retires without a successor. This historic restaurant, known for its simple Cantonese dishes and colorful legacy, highlights the vital role of Exit Planning. With proper preparation, its future could have been secured, preserving its cultural significance. Can Sam Wo’s story inspire businesses to protect their legacies?
Immerse yourself in a unique blend of diverse and collaborative content, found nowhere else. Engage in interactive sessions offering best practices, strategies, and real success stories tailored to your interests. Delve into insightful panels and roundtable discussions focused on your preferred topics. But that’s not all! In addition to our main event, enjoy exclusive bonus opportunities: Schedule an interview to be featured on our renowned podcast, Why We Plan. Connect with conference sponsors, gaining access to valuable resources for your firm. Participate in BEI Virtual Practice Groups or meet your group in person during the event. Experience live, personalized demonstrations of PlanIt and other cutting-edge BEI Tools. Don’t settle for anything less than exceptional. Join us for an unforgettable journey that will elevate your practice to new heights.
BEI Strategic Partners Book A Demo Learn More Headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, LaGrey is an investment bank providing merger and acquisition advisory services to lower middle market companies throughout the Midwest. Website Dinsmore & Shohl LLP has a nationwide team of more than 750 attorneys who are trusted advisers to some of the world’s leading businesses—including many in the Fortune 500—as well as institutions, associations, governments, professional firms and individuals. Clients count on Dinsmore to offer high-quality, commercial, cost-effective advice. The caliber of Dinsmore’s clear, concise counsel is steadily expanding its client base and fueling the firm’s position as one of the fastest growing in the country. Contact Growth-Drive is a business advising platform with all the software, training, and resources you need to win client engagements and deliver growing profits and transferable value. Access a wide range of marketing, strategic capacity analysis, client deliverables, and project execution assets. Ready to take your advising business to the next level? Get started with Growth-Drive today – it’s easy, with plans starting at free. Contact Website Since 1989, Charter Capital has led middle-market corporations, family-owned businesses, private equity groups and family offices through some of their most important decisions. Whether you’re selling, buying, raising capital or planning for succession, our investment banking advisors have the deep M&A expertise you need to grow, evolve and exit on your terms. Website Guardian makes a difference in the lives of people when they need us most. With 165 years of stability and fiscal integrity, we are a trusted resource to generations of families and business owners, inspiring well-being and helping build financial confidence. Today, we stand behind millions of consumers, helping them prepare and plan for a bright future for themselves and their families. We help business owners care for their employees. And we help people recover and thrive in times of unexpected loss. Website
Business Exit Planning CExP™ Certification Renewal Renew your CExP™ certification to stay current, credible, and compliant. Pay Renewal CExP™ Renewal Requirements at a Glance Requirement Details Annual Fee $200 per year (waived in year of initial certification) Continuing Education (CE) 30 credit hours required every two years CE Reporting Period Even or odd years, based on initial certification year Accepting CExP™ Continuing Education (CE) submission and 2025 renewal payment. Scroll down for Submission Requirements Download BEI Submission Spreadsheet Here 2025 BEI Exit Planning Conference Videos $995.00 Experience the Best of the 2025 BEI National Conference The 2025 BEI National Conference brought together leading minds, forward-thinking advisors, and successful entrepreneurs from across the business planning industry. Whether you missed the event or want to revisit the insights, these recordings give you on-demand access to the conversations and strategies that are shaping the future of exit planning. Purchase BEI CExP™ Continuing Education Requirements To maintain your Certified Exit Planner™ designation, you must complete a total of 30 credit hours of continuing education (CE) within each two-year reporting period. This ensures you stay up to date with the latest strategies, tools, and ethics in Exit Planning. Important Dates All CExP™ designation holders must renew their certification each year bypaying the $200 annual renewal fee. Deadline:Renewal fees are due by January 31. Renewals submitted between February 1 and March 31 will incur a $50 late fee. If your renewal is not received by March 31 your designation will be suspended. Submission Details If you submit your CE in EVEN-NUMBERED years, click the “Submit CE Programs” button to submit programs you’ve attended. CE submissions via email will not be accepted. The submission form is required and we ask that you submit all programs at one time, if possible. CE Submission Period The deadline for those who report CE in EVEN YEARS to submit all required CE programs for credit is December 31. You must accrue 30 credit hours of CE programming in each two-year CE reporting period. At minimum, 15 of those credit hours must come from BEI educational programs. A maximum of 15 credit hours may come from other education providers if the programs are connected to Exit Planning for business owners (e.g., retirement planning, business valuation, business transactions). You may submit programs that you attended in 2023 and 2024 BEI CExP™ Continuing Education Qualifying Programs Earning CE Credits Without a BEI Membership If you are not a BEI Member but would like to complete BEI educational programs for CExP™ Continuing Education (CE) credits, you have access to qualifying programs. CExP™ Continuing Education Qualifying Programs 2025 BEI National Conference (September 23–24, 2025) 2024 BEI National Conference – purchase videos for $995– 15 credits 2023 BEI National Conference – purchase videos bycontacting Client Success – 15 credits Pre Conference Workshops (in-person only) – 6.5 credits BEI Owner Based Planning Training – 7 credits BEI Chapter Membership (formerly Associate Membership) – Up to 1 credit per month during the reporting period BEI Training Videos available to qualified members at ExitPlanning.com – 50 minutes = 1 creditVideo titles and durations must be submitted via the CE submission form. All CE submissions are subject to review and approval. You will be notified within 30 days if additional information is required. Questions?If you have questions about CExP™ continuing education, BEI training, or certification renewal, pleasecontact BEI Client Success.
