Getting Started Selling Your Business

Essential first steps to begin your business sale journey successfully

Get Started with Free Assessment

Essential Questions Before You Start

Should I Sell?

Evaluate whether selling aligns with your personal goals and circumstances.

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When to Sell?

Understanding market timing and business readiness for optimal sale outcomes.

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How Long?

Timeline expectations and factors that influence sale duration.

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Preparation

Complete checklist to prepare your business for a successful sale.

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Understanding the Sale Process

1

Decision & Preparation

Make the decision to sell, get your business valued, and prepare all necessary documentation.

2

Marketing & Buyers

Market your business confidentially and identify qualified potential buyers.

3

Offers & Negotiation

Evaluate offers, negotiate terms, and structure the optimal deal for your situation.

4

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

Unrealistic Expectations
  • • Overestimating business value
  • • Expecting quick sale timelines
  • • Assuming all cash deals
  • • Underestimating preparation time
  • • Not planning for taxes
Poor Preparation
  • • Inadequate financial records
  • • Missing legal documentation
  • • No operational procedures
  • • Key person dependency
  • • Neglecting business improvement
Process Errors
  • • Broadcasting sale intentions
  • • Not qualifying buyers properly
  • • Negotiating emotionally
  • • Skipping professional advice
  • • Rushing due diligence

Your Quick Start Action Items

First 30 Days

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