Getting Started Selling Your Business
Essential first steps to begin your business sale journey successfully
Get Started with Free AssessmentEssential Questions Before You Start
Evaluate whether selling aligns with your personal goals and circumstances.
ExploreUnderstanding market timing and business readiness for optimal sale outcomes.
Learn MoreTimeline expectations and factors that influence sale duration.
See TimelineComplete checklist to prepare your business for a successful sale.
Get ChecklistUnderstanding the Sale Process
Decision & Preparation
Make the decision to sell, get your business valued, and prepare all necessary documentation.
Marketing & Buyers
Market your business confidentially and identify qualified potential buyers.
Offers & Negotiation
Evaluate offers, negotiate terms, and structure the optimal deal for your situation.
Due Diligence & Closing
Complete buyer due diligence, finalize all documentation, and close the transaction.
Important Considerations
Business Valuation is Critical
Understanding your business value helps set realistic expectations, guides pricing strategy, and strengthens your negotiating position.
Documentation Matters
Clean, organized financial records and operational documentation can significantly impact your sale price and timeline.
Consider Professional Help
Business brokers, attorneys, accountants, and valuation experts can provide expertise that maximizes value and ensures smooth transactions.
Plan for Time Investment
Selling a business requires significant time commitment. Plan to dedicate 10-20 hours per week during active phases.
Maintain Performance
Continue to operate and grow your business throughout the sale process. Declining performance hurts value and buyer confidence.
Confidentiality is Key
Protect your business by maintaining confidentiality. Premature disclosure can damage relationships with employees, customers, and suppliers.
Common First-Time Seller Mistakes
- • Overestimating business value
- • Expecting quick sale timelines
- • Assuming all cash deals
- • Underestimating preparation time
- • Not planning for taxes
- • Inadequate financial records
- • Missing legal documentation
- • No operational procedures
- • Key person dependency
- • Neglecting business improvement
- • Broadcasting sale intentions
- • Not qualifying buyers properly
- • Negotiating emotionally
- • Skipping professional advice
- • Rushing due diligence
Your Quick Start Action Items
Assessment & Decision
- Complete honest self-assessment of readiness to sell
- Get preliminary business valuation
- Review financial records for completeness
- Assess market timing and conditions
Planning & Preparation
- Begin organizing legal and financial documents
- Identify key business improvement opportunities
- Research professional service providers
- Create realistic timeline and milestones
Ready to Take the First Step?
Start with a professional business valuation to understand your company's worth and sale readiness
Ready to Move from Learning to Action?
Put your knowledge to work with professional business valuation services tailored to your specific needs.