SOP #59 — The Seller-Dependency Map

SOP #59 — The Seller-Dependency Map

The scariest risk is everything that lives in the seller's head. Map it before close.

1. List every recurring task and who does it. Fail if the seller does work no document captures.
2. Identify relationships that close doors on exit: a private ad deal, a guest-post network, a supplier rate. Fail if non-transferable.
3. Check for tools tied to the seller's personal accounts or licenses. Fail if they leave with them.
4. Find the "secret sauce": the one process driving results. Fail if it can't be written down.
5. Negotiate a transition period — 14–30 days of seller support in writing. Fail if zero.
6. Get a standard operating procedure document for the top 3 tasks before final release. Fail without it.

Save this — run it every deal.