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If you’re a Baby Boomer business owner thinking about selling, you’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs like you have spent decades building something meaningful, and now you’re considering the next chapter. Whether you’re looking to retire, free up time for new adventures, or pass the reins to someone else, selling your business is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. So, how do you ensure you get the best deal and a smooth transition?

The Reality of Selling a Business

Many business owners assume that when the time comes, they can simply find a buyer, agree on a price, and move on. Unfortunately, it’s rarely that simple. Buyers are cautious, deals fall through, and if your business isn’t properly prepared, you could end up with a lower offer—or no sale at all.

This is where Exit Readiness comes in. A well-prepared business not only attracts more buyers but also commands a higher price and a smoother sale process.

What You’ll Gain from Preparing for Exit

When you work with me to prepare for your business sale, you’ll:

✅ Increase Your Business Value – We’ll optimise profits, streamline operations, and ensure everything is in top shape to appeal to buyers.

✅ Attract Serious Buyers – Buyers want a business that is easy to take over. We’ll make sure yours is ready to hand over with minimal disruption.

✅ Ensure a Smooth Transition – From leadership handovers to financial structuring, I help make the transition as seamless as possible.

✅ Keep More of Your Money – Selling a business has tax implications, and without proper planning, you could end up paying more than necessary.

✅ Gain Peace of Mind – Selling should be an exciting new chapter, not a stressful process. With the right preparation, you can move forward with confidence.

What’s the Process?

1️⃣ Exit Readiness Review – We assess where your business stands today and what needs to be done to prepare for sale.

2️⃣ Financial & Business Improvements – We fine-tune your cashflow, improve profitability, and make the business more attractive to buyers.

3️⃣ Due Diligence Preparation – Buyers will scrutinise every detail. We ensure your financials, contracts, and compliance documents are in order.

4️⃣ Market Positioning & Buyer Targeting – We help position your business in the best light and attract the right buyers.

5️⃣ Negotiation & Sale Support – I guide you through the sale process, ensuring you get the best price and terms for your exit.

Common Mistakes Business Owners Make When Preparing to Sell

Many business owners believe they’re ready for sale, but buyers often spot issues that reduce value or cause delays. Some common mistakes include:

🚫 Assuming good financial records are enough – Buyers want more than tidy books. They need to see growth potential and a sustainable future.

🚫 Overestimating their business’s worth – A business is only worth what buyers are willing to pay. Proper preparation ensures you get the best valuation.

🚫 Not having a leadership succession plan – If the business can’t run without you, buyers will hesitate.

🚫 Ignoring tax planning – A poorly structured sale can result in losing more money than necessary to tax.

🚫 Thinking a sale will happen overnight – Most businesses take 12–24 months to be truly exit-ready.

How Long Does It Take?

🔹 3–6 months – If you’ve already done most of the preparation and just need final refinements.

🔹 12–18 months – For businesses that need financial improvements, leadership changes, and risk reduction.

🔹 24+ months – If there are bigger issues to resolve before buyers will take interest.

Starting early gives you the best chance of a successful sale at the best price.

Can You Do It Alone?

Technically, yes—but it’s risky. Many business owners:

🚧 Underestimate how challenging due diligence is

🚧 Fail to structure the deal tax-efficiently

🚧 Struggle to attract the right buyers

🚧 Agree to poor terms that cause issues later

Selling a business is often a once-in-a-lifetime event, so it’s worth doing properly. With the right strategy, you can sell with confidence and enjoy the rewards of your hard work.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re thinking about selling—whether now or in a few years—it’s never too early to start planning.

📞 Contact Julia to Book a free, no-obligation consultation today and let’s discuss your exit strategy. I’ll help you identify the key steps to maximise your business’s value and secure the best deal possible.

Your next chapter starts here—let’s make it a great one!