The Conscious CEO's Guide to Attracting an Ideal Buyer

One of the biggest challenges I see amongst business owners of high growth companies is that they are doing business one day at a time. There’s little attention paid to the big vision, which is to sell the business. As a result, the sales process becomes more reactive than proactive. For example, XYZ Corporation comes knocking at your deal door and then you figure out whether or not you answer.

Today, we’ll discuss various methods on how you can start to get clear now on who you want dance with from a deal-making perspective with the idea that the more focused you get on this end goal now, the more likely it is to happen.

Get clear on who you want to dance with (sell to)

Before you put your company out to market, get very clear on what kind of Buyer you want to take over your company. For example:

•  What type of Buyer is it? (strategic vs. financial)
• How do they like to conduct business?
• What would you want your organization to look like post-acquisition?
• Do you still have an active role in the company? If so, for how long?

Know your numbers

Don’t be in the dark when it comes to the valuation of your business. If you are looking to exit your company in the next year or so, I would get clear now on what your valuation looks like now given your current run-rate profitability. If your valuation isn’t anywhere near what you would be comfortable receiving then put an exit plan in place which ensures that you reach your desired valuation.

Meditate on your big vision daily

Now that are clear on what you want your deal to look like both quantitatively and qualitatively, meditate on it daily. One example is to close your eyes and conduct a daily visualization whereby you envision the sales process coming to life as if you were watching a movie.

Record evidence of your visualization becoming a reality

This is my favorite part of the exercise. Now that you are extremely clear on what your deal looks like qualitatively and quantitatively, you’ll be amazed at what evidence of that can come your way. When an ideal Buyer comes knocking at your door or you “stumble upon” a consultant who can help you create an exit strategy, write it down. Keep a running list of evidence of your big vision becoming a reality.

I hope this post has helped you realize that no matter where you are in the life cycle of your company, you can get in the driver’s seat now and start being a conscious creator when it comes to the process of selling your business.

Comment below and let me know which one of these steps you are going to execute over the next few weeks, I would love to hear from you! 

Stacy Michelle is a Speaker and M&A Consultant to businesses across the country. Formerly on Wall Street, she now blends her intuitive skills and numbers know-how in aiding women-led businesses in getting deals done with grace and ease. To learn more about how Stacy can support you with your M&A activity, schedule a 30 minute consult with her here.