Selling your small business can be a complex journey. When it’s time to sell your business, you
want the process to be as smooth as possible. While no two business sales will look the same,
any business owner can benefit from these practical steps to help find the right buyer and secure
the best deal possible.
1. Choose the Right Time
Selling a small business is a very personal decision. Many factors play into this choice, whether
you’re trying to make more time for your family or looking for a different career. Among the
most important considerations is how the sale will impact your financial state. External factors
like market conditions can also influence the right time to sell your business. Additionally,
although the temptation may be strong to sell quickly, working on growth while you are selling is
advisable.
2. Find a Dependable Broker Advisor
When selling a small business, a good business advisor is your ally from valuation to closing.
Each stage of the process requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure the sale follows
regulations and serves your best interests. A mergers and acquisitions firm can provide expert
insight into the sale’s timing, market conditions, government incentive programs, and other
factors that could put more cash in your pocket and the right buyer in place to carry on your
business.
You can always represent yourself in the sale, but hiring a broker typically means reducing
closing time since you’ll have an experienced professional handling the legwork for confidential
marketing, buyer qualification, due diligence, funding, and other key steps. You will still be
running your business in the time leading up to a sale.
3. Understand the Business’s Value
A valuation analyzes a business for its financial worth. Metrics that inform your business’s value
include much more than just assets and liabilities. As the owner, you know your business better
than anyone, valuing the business on your own is not advisable. A miscalculation or other error
could jeopardize the sale process. Additionally, misrepresenting the value of your business can
cost you the sale.
On the other hand, a dependable broker or advisor will advise you of your business’s current
state and the likelihood that the company will sell. Your broker will review your company’s
financial documents, market forecasts for your sector, and other items to provide an overall
picture of your company’s health and profitability. In addition, an experienced broker will
recommend ways to increase your business’s value. Even if you don’t end up selling at the time, the valuation information is vital to you as a business owner, as it provides the total scope of
your business’s finances.
4. Market the Business Well
Making the business attractive and connecting you to buyers is another significant advantage of
hiring a broker. For example, John knows how to market your business effectively yet
confidentially, and we also have an extensive network of vetted prospective buyers. In addition,
John is a former and current business owners, he will have crucial insight into a buyer’s mindset
and how to identify the right one for your business.
A critical element of marketing a business for sale is knowing what not to say, and a reputable
broker will protect your confidentiality throughout the selling process. Confidentiality is critical
when selling a small business.
5. Close the Sale
Once you’ve found a qualified buyer and navigated the due diligence period, it’s time to close
the sale. However, it’s important to note that the sale entails more than the sticker price. Of
course, each sale will differ, but payment terms, assets, legalities and the post-closing will all be
part of the deal. Negotiating these aspects on your own can be immensely complicated, and we
can’t overstate the peace of mind that comes with an advisor by your side at the closing
table.
John will help you attract, and field offers while screening out buyers who may not be a good fit.
We will guide you through every stage of the selling process, working toward your best
outcome. Contact us today for a no-cost consultation.