Scaling, Selling & Securing the Bag: How Women Founders Can Maximize Their Business Exit with Carrie Kerpen

Listen to the episode here: 👉 https://youtu.be/8XvBumVY5o8?feature=shared

Most entrepreneurs think about scaling their businesses, but few consider what happens when it’s time to sell. And for women business owners, the challenges of exit planning are even greater. In this episode of Silly Little Social, I sit down with Carrie Kerpen, founder of The Whisper Group and Likeable Media, to break down how women can build businesses that are not only successful but also sellable.

Inside This Episode, We Discuss:

• The early days of Likeable Media and how Carrie built one of the first social media agencies

• How she successfully exited her agency and the lessons she learned along the way

• Why women founders often struggle with exit planning and how to change that

• The biggest mistakes business owners make when preparing to sell

• How to use social media to position yourself as an expert and attract high-value opportunities

• Why Carrie believes every entrepreneur—whether they plan to sell or not—should have an exit strategy

About Carrie Kerpen

Carrie Kerpen is the founder and CEO of The Whisper Group, an exit readiness advisory practice for women-owned businesses. Before launching The Whisper Group, Carrie founded Likeable Media, a women-led digital agency that became a major player in social media marketing. After successfully navigating the sale of Likeable to a 1200-person technology firm, Carrie dedicated her career to closing the exit gap for female founders.

She is the author of WORK IT: Secrets For Success From The Boldest Women In Business and THE WHISPER WAY: The Secret Formula For Women Entrepreneurs To Scale and Sell For Life-Changing Money (May 2025), as well as the host of The Exit Whisperer, a podcast featuring exited female founders.

Carrie’s Journey: From Social Media Pioneer to Exit Expert

Carrie’s entrepreneurial journey started in the early days of social media, when platforms like Facebook were just starting to gain mainstream traction. She and her husband launched Likeable Media in 2007, quickly becoming one of the first agencies to specialize in social media marketing. By leveraging innovative (and sometimes hilariously unconventional) strategies—like targeting ads to single employees at Fortune 500 companies—Likeable Media scaled rapidly, securing major brand partnerships.

But as social media evolved, so did Carrie’s vision. After running Likeable for over a decade, she made the strategic decision to sell the agency to a tech firm, marking the beginning of her next chapter: helping women entrepreneurs prepare for their own exits.

Lessons for Entrepreneurs: Why You Should Plan Your Exit from Day One

Even if you’re not thinking about selling your business today, Carrie emphasizes that exit planning isn’t just about selling—it’s about optimizing your business for long-term success. Some key takeaways:

• Know your numbers: The valuation of your business isn’t just about revenue—it’s about profitability, processes, and scalability.

• Build with an exit in mind: A business that can run without you is a business that is worth selling.

• Invest in your personal brand: Your expertise is a powerful asset, and leveraging social media can make you more valuable in your industry.

• Start thinking about exit planning early: Whether you plan to sell in 2 years or 10, the best exits happen when business owners prepare well in advance.

Final Thoughts

Carrie’s journey is proof that social media and strategic business growth go hand in hand. Her insights on exit planning, personal branding, and business strategy are invaluable for any entrepreneur—whether you’re in the early stages of your business or thinking about the next big move.

Connect with Carrie Kerpen:

Instagram: @carriekerpen

Website: www.carriekerpen.com

LinkedIn: Carrie Kerpen

YouTube: Carrie Kerpen

Facebook: Carrie Kerpen

Level up your content game with our:

📧 FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – Get exclusive content prompts, trend forecasts, and insider tips delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at www.showupauthentic.com/sls-sign-up

🎯 AUTHENTIC CREATORS NETWORK – Looking for friends and resources as you grow your creator career? Join our premium community for personalized feedback, weekly virtual meet-ups, and a supportive network of fellow creators at www.showupauthentic.com/acn

🚀 AGENCY SERVICES – Looking for professional support to scale your social media presence? Visit www.showupauthentic.com to learn how Lindsay’s agency can transform your digital presence and drive real business results.

Whether you’re a seasoned content creator, aspiring influencer, or business owner looking to master social media marketing, Silly Little Social delivers the perfect mix of entertainment, education, and inspiration to help you navigate and thrive in the digital landscape.

🔗 Follow us on Instagram – www.instagram.com/showupauthentic

🎥 Follow us on TikTok – www.tiktok.com/@showupauthentic