Why You Should Always Be Preparing Your Business for Sale – Even if You Don’t Plan to Sell
Anthony Rigney
I have been successfully helping people buy and sell businesses for 16 years.
Many business owners don’t think about selling until it’s necessary or until they’re ready to move on. But in reality, ?preparing your business for sale is something you should always be working on—whether or not you plan to sell in the near future. Here’s why:
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Life Happens – Be Ready?
None of us can predict what life has in store. Unexpected events like illness, family obligations, or the need to relocate can arise at any time. When these life events happen, the last thing you want is to be scrambling to get your business ready for a potential sale. The truth is, businesses that are well-prepared are far more likely to sell quickly and for a higher price.
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Preparation Equals Best Practices?
The same steps you take to prepare a business for sale are, in fact, the best business practices to ensure long-term success. Let’s break down the key areas where preparation and sound business management overlap:
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1. Maximize Cash Flow?
Consistent cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, and it’s also what savvy buyers value the most. To keep your business running smoothly—and attractive to buyers—you should constantly look for ways to maximize revenue and keep expenses in check. Focus on growing your top line while ensuring operational efficiency to optimize your bottom line.
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2. Document and Track Your Performance?
Buyers want transparency, and that starts with well-documented financials and performance metrics. Implement clear tracking systems that allow you to monitor your business's health. Key performance indicators (KPIs) should be in place to help you make data-driven decisions, which in turn will make your business more attractive when the time comes to sell.
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3. Build a Team That Runs Without You?
One of the most critical factors that increases the value of your business is its ability to operate independently of you. Buyers don’t want to buy a job; they want to buy a company that can smoothly on its own. By building a strong team and creating systems that ensure smooth operations without your constant involvement, you’re setting your business up for success—and increasing its appeal to potential buyers.
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The Payoff?
Even if you have no plans to sell right now, preparing your business for a future sale has immediate benefits. It forces you to focus on what matters: cash flow, operational systems, and a capable team. As a result, your business will thrive, and when the time does come to sell—whether by choice or necessity—you’ll be in position to maximize its value and attract the right buyer.
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Don’t wait until you have to sell to start getting ready. Run your business today as if you were selling it tomorrow, and you’ll reap the rewards both now and in the future.
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The Author Anthony John Rigney is founder and broker with Quorum Business Advisors a Florida based Business Brokerage. He is a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) with almost two decades of experience.
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