Having to Think About Selling Your Small Business - What is Your Formula For Selling a Business?

There comes a time where most businessComing to grips with the simple fact that leaving
owners will find themselves asking "what shall I doyour business is going to eventually happen for
with my business?"one reason or another is difficult, especially when
Like most business owners, you have putyou have invested so much time and energy. Try
everything into your business to get it where it isand put your emotions to one side for a moment;
today and it is a big part of your life you aresit down and really think hard about what you
parting with; there can be a lot of emotion tied uptruly want from selling your business.
in the process but it is important to work outWhat is your desired outcome?
what you really want and follow a realistic path toWhat will you do with the proceeds?
get there.What about tax?
A well thought through and planned formula forWhat will you do with your time?
selling a business will ensure you achieve a greatWe all know that it is preferred to be deciding
result for you and the future ongoing success ofwhen, where and how to sell rather than having
the business.to deal with selling should something unexpected
Deciding who to sell to as part of your formulaarise, however, in reality it is just as important to
for selling a business -ensure you include the unforeseen.
Many small business owners are very concernedFormula for selling a business - Planning
with who they sell to and who is going to lookHaving a good plan outlined and ready for selling
after their 'baby' (business) if and when they go.your business is vital. Strategy comes into play
Some common questions include:here also and I recommend speaking with a few
• Should I sell directly to my staff?other business owners who have decided to sell
• To the competition up the road?or have been forced to sell in the past. Most
• Perhaps to a much larger business?business people are happy to share their
• Should my children have first option?experiences and recommendations. Obviously, this
• Should I stay on and play a role in theis just one source for information in the planning
business' future after it sells or pursue otherprocess.
interests?Educating yourself and understand the process is
As a business owner you have a range of optionshighly recommended and with this comes a few
that you need to carefully consider to make sureserious questions to consider such as:
you really maximize on your business sale and lets• What can I do to ensure my business is
face it many of you will fund your retirementoperating at its best with little time?
with the proceeds of the business sale, so its• What are the best strategies to market my
critical for business owners to have a well thoughtbusiness?
out formula for selling a business regardless of• When should I get my lawyer and accountant
selling your business now or in the future it justinvolved?
makes good business sense and gives you peace• How do I sell my business myself - without a
of mind.business broker? Do I need a broker?
Customizing your own formula for selling a• How do I establish the correct value of my
business - What do you really want and how willbusiness?
you get there?