“I wish I would have …” It’s a phrase we hear way too often from business owners who come to us to sell their business and discover it doesn’t have the market value they hoped for. Here’s the Top Ten list of I wish I would haves: Kept better financial...
If your business is reliant on you for the day-to-day operations, prepare to get less money when you go to sell it. Do a quick self-check; how often do you say phrases like: I just can’t get away My employees can’t make a decision without me My customers only want...
If you’ve ever bought a used car, you know how reassuring it is when the owner tells you about things - big and small - that have been repaired. And you really appreciate knowing about the repairs that are coming up in the near future. When a seller is...
One of the biggest mistakes owners need to avoid when selling their company is being lured into a proprietary deal. The Definition Of A Proprietary Deal Acquirers land a proprietary deal when they convince owners to sell their businesses without creating a competitive marketplace. Acquirers running a proprietary deal know...
Most owners believe the best way to improve the market value of their company is to make more profit – so, they find ways to sell more and more. Selling more of the right products and services may increase profit; however, it may not increase the one number that makes...
Business owners have been known to refer to the due diligence phase of selling their business as "the entrepreneur's proctology exam. It's a crude analogy but a good representation of what it feels like when a stranger pokes, prods, and looks inside every inch of your business. Most buyers will...
The internet is the go-to source for buyers to assess your business reputation. And since information can live online for years, it’s essential that you know what buyers will see when they research your business. There is information you have control over, such as your website, personal and business social...
Buyers love Sticky Customers! Repeat customers are what every business owner wishes for, and what buyers will pay a premium price to own! However customers can be fickle. Here's how to make them sticky. In traditional businesses, when a customer buys your product or service once, it’s up to you...
Many business owners believe the act of selling their business is similar to passing the baton in a 400 meter relay: once you're finished running, you get to relax. In reality, most buyers will insist that even though they're now holding the baton, you need to stay on for a transition period. During this time, anywhere from three months to three years or more, you continue to work in your business to help the buyer capitalize on the investment they're making. Each deal is different; however, there is always a timeline that needs to be agreed upon, where your knowledge, experience and expertise is available.