Begin with the end.

The day has finally come. After months of hard work, you hang out the sign that says ‘Grand Opening.’ You’re officially a small-business owner.

Now would be a really good time to start thinking about how and when you’ll shut the doors and get out of business.

Seriously.

Deciding on how you want you business to end actually helps you decide how you want your business to grow. A well thought-out exit strategy can help you to maximize the value you get from your business, successfully market your business to potential buyers or investors and ensure you end your involvement with as little disruption to the business as possible.

Over at Yahoo!, they have a decent checklist to get you thinking in the right direction. And read more at the Washington Post.

Check it out and start planning!