Are you thinking about selling your business? If so, you’re probably thinking about what strategies you can use to maximise value and ensure a successful transaction. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to make sure your business is ideally positioned to attract high-quality buyers.
Key Strategies for Selling a Business
Whether this is your first time selling a business or you’re a seasoned business veteran, implementing the following key strategies can make all the difference when it comes to maximising value.
1. Get Ready to Sell Your Business
If you’ve only recently decided, “I want to sell my business,” you may be tempted to offer it for sale immediately. However, thorough preparation before you list is crucial. Start by ensuring all your paperwork is in order (including standard operating procedures and financial statements). This will help potential buyers to gain a clear picture of your business’s financial and operational stability.
It’s also important to complete a comprehensive business valuation to ensure your asking price is neither too high (scaring off potential buyers) nor too low (undervaluing all the hard work that has gone into building your business).
2. Strategic Marketing
A common question from business owners is, “Should I sell my business online?” And the reality is, in today’s digital age, online marketing plays an important role in reaching a greater number of buyers. But it’s not enough to just post an ad online. To attract the right kind of buyers your marketing needs to be targeted and effective.
Start by creating an attractive business profile that highlights the unique selling points, strengths, and accomplishments of your business. You can then use a range of digital marketing tools to increase visibility and reach a broad audience of qualified buyers.
3. Engaging with Potential Buyers
It’s important to engage with potential buyers so that you can identify any serious leads. However, confidentiality is also essential if you’re going to protect established relationships with staff, customers and suppliers. It’s worth implementing policies that will help you screen enquiries for genuine interest while also showcasing the true value of your business and prioritising confidentiality.
4. Negotiation and Closing the Deal
Once you have a serious buyer ready to make an offer, it’s time to start negotiating. To ensure you get the highest possible sale price, be prepared to make counter offers that can be backed up by data (such as relevant market trends). It’s also worth consulting with financial and legal experts to ensure that the sale can be completed smoothly.
5. Use an Experienced Broker to Sell Your Business
To maximise the true value of your business, it pays to invest in the services of an experienced business broker. A broker can offer specific advice on how to get your business ready for sale. They can also prepare a professional valuation that can boost credibility with potential buyers.
A broker will help market your business effectively, both online and into their extensive network of potential buyers. Crucially, a broker is skilled at handling enquiries and final negotiations while also protecting the confidentiality of their clients.
Talk to Better Business Sales About Selling a Business
Selling a business is a significant decision that requires strategic planning and execution. However, by partnering with a trusted business broker, you can maximise the value of your business and achieve a successful sale. With 45 years of business experience, Better Business Sales is highly skilled at helping business owners successfully navigate the complexities of selling a business.
Are you ready to sell your business? Schedule a consultation with our experienced team and start your journey towards a successful business sale.
Howard Elson is a Licensed Executive Business Broker with over 45 years of experience in successful business operations. He is also the Director of Better Business Sales and brings unparalleled expertise to the sales of businesses in Queensland and New South Wales.