About Ashley SWFL Business Broker

Here are five simple steps to successfully sell your business:

Start with the End in Mind: Begin the process of preparing your business for sale as soon as you purchase or start it. Develop procedures, maintain accurate records of customer transactions, financial details, licenses, equipment, and inventory to ensure the business is as turn-key as possible for the new owner.

Determine the Fair Market Value of your Business: Engage qualified business intermediaries to assess the fair market value of your business. These professionals have access to current and comprehensive information on business sales and pricing formulas, enabling them to provide accurate valuations. When selecting an intermediary, consider seeking a Certified Business Intermediary for the best results.

Continue to Manage your Business: It's important to maintain dedication to managing your business effectively, even after deciding to sell. Consistent management will help preserve and maximize the value of your business. Neglecting the day-to-day operations can lead to a loss of momentum and subsequent decrease in the business's value.

Maintain Confidentiality: Protect the value of your business by maintaining confidentiality. Disclosing that your business is for sale to employees, customers, or suppliers can potentially impact its value negatively. Working with a qualified business intermediary through a representation agreement can ensure confidentiality and provide step-by-step assistance through the selling process.

Negotiate Effectively: Effective negotiation is crucial in successfully closing a deal with a qualified buyer. Flexibility is key in negotiation, and lacking it may result in prematurely ending a potential deal. Professional business intermediaries, particularly those from VR, are trained to develop creative and responsible terms to facilitate the deal and ensure that all interests are met.

By focusing on these steps, business owners can position themselves for a successful sale of their business while maximizing its value.

 In most cases, our recommendation is to consider purchasing an established business, especially considering that 57% of "new" businesses fail within the first 3 years.

By acquiring an established business, you gain access to an existing customer base, proven products or services, and established locations. Such businesses often come with recurring revenues and can be smoothly transitioned with proper training and a structured introduction to employees, customers, and vendors.

Additionally, new owners have the opportunity to enhance the business further by implementing fresh ideas, improved management practices, and injecting newfound energy and passion into the operations.

For further insights, feel free to explore more about the benefits of acquiring an established business.

It's crucial to have an accurate understanding of the value of your business, as it is likely your most valuable asset. Surprisingly, over 75% of business owners do not know the true value of their businesses, highlighting the importance of obtaining a comprehensive business valuation.

Knowing the value of your business can benefit you in several ways:

1. Better understand the potential of your business: Understanding your business's value can provide insights into its strengths and areas for growth, helping you make informed decisions to maximize its potential.
2. Plan for your retirement: Knowledge of your business's value can assist you in creating a retirement plan that aligns with your financial goals and requirements.
3. Plan for the future of your business: With a clear understanding of the value of your business, you can develop strategic plans for its future growth, expansion, or potential sale.
4. Create an estate plan: Knowing the value of your business is essential for estate planning purposes, ensuring that your business assets are effectively managed and transferred according to your wishes.
5. Prepare for taxable events: Understanding the value of your business is crucial for preparing for taxable events such as grants, gifts, or potential sales, allowing you to mitigate tax implications effectively.
6. Achieve personal goals: Having a clear picture of your business's value can help you align your personal and professional goals, facilitating better decision-making and planning for the future.

By obtaining a comprehensive business valuation, you can gain valuable insights into your business's worth and leverage this information to make informed decisions, plan for the future, and work towards achieving your personal and financial objectives.