SELL With Confidence - Exit strategies For Beginners
5 Tips to start planning your business exit strategy:
Get your paperwork ready
Keep growing your business and increase revenue
Keep the sale confidential
Find a certified business intermediary
Never too late to start positioning your business for sale
SELL With Confidence- How to Take the Worrying out of a Business Exit Strategies For Beginners
The truth is, bidding farewell to an asset of yours is tough. Blood, sweat, and tears have likely laid the grounds for your success. It goes without saying, knowing how to exit makes the world of a difference.
Proper Record Keeping is Crucial
Record keeping is a must. Too many unknowns can trigger significant red flags to a prospective buyer. You’ll want to make sure all business information and records are clear and organized. Going into a deal blind does not lend itself to a done deal. If you haven’t already, begin carefully organizing important documents. Whomever the prospective buyer is, he/she will want to take a closer look. Stay ahead of the sale by making all relevant business information readily available upon request.
General List of Documents to Have and to Hold
Invoices
Confidentiality Agreements
Vendor Agreements
Partnership Agreements
Financial Statements
Discretionary earnings & cash flow
Keep Your Revenue Up
Those planning to sell often make the common mistake of selling when revenue is down. There are critics out there who will say selling when sales are down is the smart thing. One size does not fit all in business. Remember, you will have to disclose financial statements to the prospective buyer. You will need to supply a valid reason why you’re selling, especially when it’s been made clear your margins are down. Most prospective buyers want to see a strong cash flow. So, just as you entered into business for your ROI so too will the prospect. Not to mention, higher numbers could also mean higher business valuation. Two things to always keep in mind
Recurring Revenue
Growth Potential
It’s OK to Go Under the Radar Until the Deal is Finalized
Moreover, don’t leave your business before you actually sell it. If there’s anything that will hurt your bottom line more, it’s the mindset that it’s over before it’s over. It’s much safer and more professional to carry on with your day-to-day operations as you did on day one. Your employees don’t need to stress about their job security and before a deal is finalized, you don’t want to jeopardize the empire you built.
Find The Right Business Broker
For anyone wanting to sell a business, hiring the right broker on your side is the difference between a successful sale and failure. You want an individual who understands your goals and sets the bar on delivering exactly that. Business brokers represent you and your business, so finding the right one is important. BizNexus instantly connects you to a business broker in your area and niche, taking the headaches out of searching; saving time and money.
It’s Never Too Early to Start Planning for a Sale
Undoubtedly, it’s never too early to start organizing the “back office” and putting your business puzzle pieces together. The most seamless deals happen when the seller has their ducks in a row and the buyer is provided all of the details to allow them to feel comfortable giving that final handshake. The best way to ensure a positive experience, when you are ready to sell, is to plan. When you are ready to sell, BizNexus can help. BizNexus instantly connects you to prospects and brokers in your industry. Don’t waste your time and energy. Put Biznexus to work for you. We’ll make sure you get that handshake.
Position your business for sale today to access active business deals.
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