Is your business too dependent on you?  Far too many companies are lifestyle businesses that would fall apart without the owner.  This can jeopardise your exit, so detaching yourself from working in the business is essential.  In this episode I am joined by Michèle Hecken, who built, operated, scaled, and exited a successful business in the translation industry. After completing a high-7-figure exit she now serves as an Advisor to high performers wanting to run businesses that serve them and live lives they dream of.  She shares how she scaled and exited her translation company, learning the art of off-boarding as she went. She also gives strategies you can use to create a business that can operate independently of you.    Off-boarding tasks and jobs can maximise the value of your exits.    So, let’s hear from Michèle!    "The art of off-boarding is a game changer" - Michèle Hecken    Timestamps    01:29 - An introduction to Michèle Hecken  03:20 - Working on the business not in it  05:26 - How Julie stopped working in her business  10:23 - Julie's story developing her business  12:47 - The steps Michèle took to step back in her business   18:33 - The problems with service-based businesses   26:11 - Focusing on governance and controls  33:59 - The power of the finance team  36:23 - Tying systems to KPIs    Connect with Michèle Hecken:    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelehecken/  Michèle’s website - https://www.michelehecken.com/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mhecken/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mhecken/    Check out special Michèle's offer just for you the Build & Exit listeners! https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/buildandexit/podcast/special/offer   Connect With Julie Wilkinson    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/  Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A   Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions  Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/    Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!