96% of Business Owners Can't Sell: Are You One of Them?
Susan Anderson
I empower entrepreneurs with automated systems—email courses, bots, and content strategies—to build trust, nurture leads, and drive revenue. My approach helps businesses grow through scalable, high-converting solutions.
As entrepreneurs, we're often so focused on growing our businesses that we forget about the endgame. But here's a sobering statistic that should make us all pause: out of the 11 million business owners expected to try selling their companies in the next five years, only 1 million will actually succeed. That's less than 10%!
I recently had an eye-opening conversation with Justin Goodbread , a business strategist and coach who's on a mission to change this narrative. Justin's insights are especially relevant for those of us running service-based businesses, where our personal expertise often feels inseparable from the company itself.
The Hidden Value in Your Business
Justin emphasized a crucial point that many of us overlook: our businesses are meant to create wealth, not just be a legacy. He shared a framework he's developed to help entrepreneurs uncover and unlock the hidden value in their companies:
The Importance of Stepping Back
One of the most powerful moments in our conversation was when Justin shared a personal story. He recalled a time when he was sitting in a deer stand, working on his laptop while his son tried to point out a buck. It was a wake-up call that his work was overshadowing his family life.
This resonated deeply with me. How many of us have missed important moments because we were too caught up in the day-to-day of running our businesses?
"Now I'm at the position where, yeah, I'm gonna go elk hunting for two weeks with my son in Colorado watching harvest his first elk. Or I'm gonna go fishing. We spent a whole month down in Florida offshore fishing, catching marlin and wahoo and mahi as a family and bringing clients alongside."
Justin's story is a powerful reminder that building a valuable, sellable business isn't just about the eventual exit. It's about creating a life where we can step away and enjoy the fruits of our labor along the way.
Finding Clarity in Quiet Moments
When I asked Justin where his best ideas come from, his answer was both simple and profound: quiet moments. Whether it's mowing the pasture, walking in the woods, or just sitting in a hammock reading a book, he emphasized the importance of scheduling time to be still and listen.
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In our hyper-connected world, it's easy to forget the power of silence. But as Justin pointed out, it's in these quiet moments that we often find our greatest creativity and clarity.
The Power of Perspective
Perhaps the most impactful advice Justin shared was this: "If you think you can or think you can't, you're right."
As business owners, our mindset shapes our reality. If we approach challenges with a belief in our ability to overcome them, we're far more likely to succeed. On the flip side, if we let negativity and doubt creep in, we're setting ourselves up for failure.
Justin encouraged us to cultivate a mindset of abundance, whether that's through appreciating nature, reflecting on our faith, or simply acknowledging the good in our lives. This positive outlook can be a game-changer in how we approach our businesses and our lives.
Your Next Steps
If Justin's insights have resonated with you, here are a few actionable steps you can take:
Remember, building a valuable, sellable business isn't just about the eventual exit. It's about creating a life where you can enjoy the journey along the way.
What steps will you take this week to unlock more value in your business and your life? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Read the full story about Justin in the Entrepreneurs Gone Wild newsletter.