The buzz is that if you are a Baby Boomer and you want to sell your business in the next few years, then you are in the majority. You are not the only Baby Boomer and will possibly have your business compete against many more similar businesses in both model and industry. In order to be well-prepared, you will need a proper valuation. Establishing a baseline value of your business will help you overcome weak areas that keep you up at night. Why would a buyer want to buy your problems? Some savvy entrepreneurs will want your problems, but most will not.
Check out our short video on the different types of Valuations.
Roger Murphy, our CEO, explains the different types of valuations we provide.
Selling a business is a complicated and an intricate procedure. However, business brokers play a fundamental role in getting along the process to make it a successful deal. There are several factors and cautions involved that should to be considered before stepping out to sell your business.
Finding the exact potential buyer and to avoid scams you need to hire a business broker. Brokers are professionals at introducing the buyers and sellers and support in finding the middle ground. The business broker will confidentially work upon the marketing process to sell your business, the word is kept private as it affects adversely on your sales and stimulate staff problems.
Unsatisfactory preparation is a key error that business owners commit. Important matters such as financial documentation, the profit and loss sheet, insurance or lease issues and legal concerns have to be well prepared as it will have an impact on the market worth of your business.
You can be an expert in running your business but not at selling it and your reluctance to leverage the business brokers can be destructive. As countless matters can only be looked after by your business brokers such as selling it at the best possible value, projecting your establishment’s future, market it at its highest potential, finalizing the necessary paperwork and catching the eye of secure qualified buyers.
The productivity and successful running of your business can be affected if you neglect it and spent time on selling it. The efficiency and the performance of your business is what you really sell which makes it compulsory to concentrate on it.
Sellers mostly fix the value of the business at very high rates without determining its real market worth, you should take some time and get in touch with market rates, and after it you can easily tag realistic and a well approachable price to your establishment.
As due diligence is important, you should be able to manage the protection and authenticity of representations made during the sale. You can discuss and seek help in significant issues from business brokers at sflabusinesses4sale.com on the subject of selling your business. Generally you hunt for replies to the questions such as the worth of business, assurance of the status and qualification of potential buyers, correct way of homework for the sale and course of structuring the deal. These queries can be handled in a perfect manner by a broker.
When you’re hoping to sell your business there are a number of things to be concerned about. There are a few ways you can get a step-up on your buyer and anticipate their moves before they have thought them up themselves. If you want to swim with the piranhas you’re going to have to nip a few toes; if you want to sell your business, you’re going to need to think like your buyer.
Understand what the buyer is after – One of human beings greatest faults and one of the things which every business seller can be at fault of is being too rooted in your own self-interest. If you would take yourself out of the equation for a moment, you’ll likely find that your deal is skewed towards your own interests; at least in your own mind. Think about what the buyer is after; what could make this deal impossible for them to say no to? If all business sellers would simply take a minute and put themselves in their buyer’s shoes they may find that the work is done for them. The schematics of the deal will fall into place effortlessly if you let them.
Be Upfront when selling your business – You would hate to be trying to hide something negative about your business; be it the structure of the building, last year’s receipts, inflated accounting or anything else; only for this to be revealed later on and to be bitten by it down the road. Rather than fight that fight, be upfront. Not only does this tactic save time on the vetting; then the buyer is a lot more likely to be straight with you. You can know sooner if this deal is a good fit or if the time has come to part ways.
If you’re able to be flexible with financing, be flexible! – Financing is another bugaboo. If you’re the outright owner and are able to be flexible with financing you may as well offer that up as an option. This may allow you to keep your hand in the kitty just a little longer and enjoy continued fruits of your labor. Be wary of the hostile takeover – Don’t be too nice. If you feel as though you’re being stepped on, best to revert to a defensive pose.
It’s also a good idea to have a trusted partner on your side to help broker the deal.
When you begin to negotiate the sale of the business, you will be much better off if you have developed a personal plan and have prioritized which items in the deal are the most important to you and which items you can compromise on and still accomplish your objectives.
Prioritize which items are most important in the sale. In every business sale there is negotiation where the buyer and seller have some give and take
Understand which things are important
Understand which things are not as important and where you can compromise and still get the desired results
Make sure to analyze what the post-sale looks like. Will you have enough money, what you will do with your time?
Today we are offering a wish list for a typical seller of a small business. Entrepreneurs who are selling their companies, as well as those looking to purchase, generally agree on what would make the process more seamless overall.
What the seller wants:
A qualified buyer – This not only means someone with the financial resources to meet a down payment and secure financing, it also describes someone with experience owning or managing a business — perhaps with some knowledge of the industry itself. A qualified buyer more than likely has established ties to the geographical area and if married or in a domestic relationship, has the support of his partner.
An appropriate offer – A seller appreciates an offer that is solid, reasonable and timely. Sellers expect contingencies to be a part of the offer, but also anticipate these to be realistic. One of the most common contingencies is a lease transfer with equitable terms for the buyer.
A practical due diligence phase – Sellers are pleased to answer questions and share pertinent data during the due diligence phase; however, buyers should take care not to pose queries or make statements that may be perceived as an insult to the seller. Common sense should dictate how the buyer should best introduce discussions on past decisions the seller made or how the business is run on a daily basis. Buyers should prepare their due diligence requests in writing and as soon as possible after the offer has been accepted.
A smooth closing – The closing should be a time of celebration for both parties, not a time for second-guessing, bickering or hesitation. Hiring a closing attorney experienced in the business transfer process helps immensely. By the time everyone is seated at the closing table, all questions should have been answered, all pre-closing paperwork completed and the buyer and seller should be confident this is a win-win situation for everyone involved.
An efficient transition – Most sellers, particularly those who created the business from the ground up, truly want to see the business continue to grow and prosper. Sellers want their buyers to be successful, and most will work hard to ensure the buyer is completely comfortable with all facets of the business during the training period that begins after the closing. This transition phase often involves introducing the new owner to suppliers and customers and showing the buyer everything related to running the business, from how to operate office equipment to the best way to manage employees’ schedules.
As a business broker, I have most enjoyed working with buyers and sellers who are forthright, reasonable and agreeable. Having realistic expectations on both sides and keeping a professional and positive attitude throughout the business transfer process goes a long way toward reaching a successful closing.
Anyone selling a business should be considering the elements of the sales process. Business brokers are invaluable in each of these considerations:
Think It Through – Know What You Want
Do you want to retire completely or continue to have a hand or profit in the business? Do you want to move or stay where you live? Surprisingly, some people are not clear on these basic aims. Business brokers can help you refine these goals and the ways to achieve them.
Know What You Are Offering and Why You Are Selling
Is the business growing or declining? Is the competition getting tougher? Are the facilities and equipment in good working order or are they approaching the end of their useful commercial lives. Does the business need an infusion of capital to be profitable? Are most of your customers there just because of you (goodwill)? Are you tired of the rat race or are you ready to embrace a new chapter in life? Professional business brokers know how to express each of these circumstances to your greatest benefit.
Prepare Your Records – Orderly and Understandable
If you are trying to sell your business, you have a duty to provide honest information to your potential buyer. You make the job of your business brokers (and the sale of your business) easier if your financials, net worth statements, contracts, employment procedures, etc. are organized in such a way that the reviewer can discern clear information without having to conduct overly consuming research. Your professional may choose to reorganize your information (truthfully, of course) to your greatest benefit. Easily discernible records vastly assist in this process.
The Two Big Questions – Price and Marketing
The biggest concerns of the business seller will always be, “How much can I get?” and “How and to whom should I try to sell?” Murphy Business Brokers are the consummate experts in these areas. They work for you. Their job is to maximize what you get out of the deal and to let you know, straight up, if you have unreasonable expectations. They know where to look for customers, how to package your deal and how to advertise. Will public knowledge of a pending sale hurt the business and the chance for a sale?
Professional business brokers study and are experienced in all of these situations. It’s what they do. They optimize your benefit in terms of both asset return and expedience of sale.
