So, You Want to Sell Your Business?

A Comedy of Errors and Lessons for Sellers.

Selling a business is like hosting a dinner party. You need the right ingredients, a well-set table, and a clear idea of what you’re serving. But too often, sellers show up with a half-cooked meal, no utensils, and a menu that says “food.” Case in point: Jane (not her real name, because we’re classy here) reached out to sell her eCommerce business. On paper, it sounded promising—digital products, a TikTok channel with income potential, and a course creator handling fulfillment. Details? Let’s just say Jane wasn’t exactly Shark Tank ready.

?? If you’re struggling to pinpoint where to start or how to refine your pitch strategy, let’s talk. We can discuss how to tailor your approach to create the most impact. ?? Need a consult? Let's go ??

?? Here’s the gist...

1. Financials? What financials? Jane couldn’t provide a Profit & Loss (P&L) statement but assured me she was making $600 a month. After expenses. Without ads. Maybe.

2. Operations? “Handled” Fulfillment? Handled by a course creator. TikTok? Making $1,000 a month, apparently by magic. And Jane? “Oh, I don’t really have time for this business.”

3. Pitch? More like a sticky note. Jane’s sales pitch included phrases like, “It’s a side hustle thing,” and “You can cash out with a 60-40 deal.” Not exactly confidence-inspiring. If you’re thinking about selling your business, here’s the reality check: Buyers don’t just want the idea of a business; they want a solid foundation and a clear path to profitability.

?? Here's how to prep...

1. Know Your Numbers Prepare a detailed P&L statement. Buyers need to see your revenue, expenses, and profit margins.

2. Show Operational Stability Document processes and relationships (e.g., contracts with key team members). Make the transition seamless for the buyer.

3. Have a Clear Pitch Why is your business worth buying? Highlight growth potential, income streams, and what sets it apart.

4. Be Honest About Involvement If it’s a side hustle, be upfront. But explain how the buyer can scale it into something more.

5. Show Scalability Have a vision for growth. Buyers love to hear how they can 10x their investment.

6. Don’t Oversell Saying, “You’ll make money immediately” raises red flags. Show projections, not promises.

?? Final Thoughts

I've interviewed hundreds of entrepreneurs over the years and Jane’s story, while funny, isn’t unique. Many business owners are more prepared to sell their old couch on Craigslist than their company. And while I didn’t bite on Jane’s offer, I did see potential—if only she had taken a little more time to prepare.

So, if you’re thinking of selling your business—or just want to set it up for future success—take a moment to get your house in order. Whether you’re buying, selling or just want to scale for a higher exit, I’m here to help you navigate the process, avoid the pitfalls, and turn your business into something irresistible to buyers. Drop a comment or send me a message for some real talk about making your business the best it can be.

P.S. Don’t worry, Jane. You’re still invited to the dinner party, but next time, let’s bring a recipe.

?? Whether you’re just thinking about an exit or looking to elevate your company's value before you sell, we can create a growth strategy that not only elevates your brand but also attracts buyers for your business. ?? Need a consult? Let's go ??

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