When the owner of a business makes the decision to sell, he or she is taking a giant step that involves the emotions as well as the marketplace, each with its own set of complexities. Those sellers who are tempted to undertake the transaction on their own should understand both the process and the emotional environment that this process is set against. The steps outlined below are just some of the items for a successful sale. While these might seem daunting to the do-it-yourselfer, by engaging the help of a M&A Business Advisor, the seller can feel confident about what is often one of the major decisions of a lifetime. 1. Set the stage. What kind of impression will the business make on prospective buyers? The seller may be happy with a weathered sign (the rustic look) or weeds poking up through the pavement (the natural look), but the buyer might only think, “What a mess!” Equally problematic can be improvements planned by the seller that appeal to his or her sense of aesthetics … [Read more...]
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Selling Your Business? Do-It-Yourself is Risky Business!
Essential Meeting Tips for Buyers & Sellers of Businesses

The buyer-seller meeting is quite often a “make or break” meeting. Your Business Broker or M&A Advisor will do everything possible to ensure that this meeting goes as well as possible. It is vitally important to realize that rarely is there an offer before buyers and sellers actually meet. The all-important offer usually comes directly after this all-important meeting. As a result, you want to ensure that meetings are as positive and productive as possible. Buyers need to understand how the process of selling a business works and what is expected of them from the process. Buyers should also take the time to clearly express their background and financial capabilities to the seller since this is highly important to the seller. A lot of buyers dive into questions on the business without discussing their qualifications first. As sellers get more comfortable with buyers and a rapport is built, they will be more willing to share information and provide … [Read more...]