Anyone selling a business should be considering the elements of the sales process. Business brokers are invaluable in each of these considerations:
Think It Through – Know What You Want
Do you want to retire completely or continue to have a hand or profit in the business? Do you want to move or stay where you live? Surprisingly, some people are not clear on these basic aims. Business brokers can help you refine these goals and the ways to achieve them.
Know What You Are Offering and Why You Are Selling
Is the business growing or declining? Is the competition getting tougher? Are the facilities and equipment in good working order or are they approaching the end of their useful commercial lives. Does the business need an infusion of capital to be profitable? Are most of your customers there just because of you (goodwill)? Are you tired of the rat race or are you ready to embrace a new chapter in life? Professional business brokers know how to express each of these circumstances to your greatest benefit.
Prepare Your Records – Orderly and Understandable
If you are trying to sell your business, you have a duty to provide honest information to your potential buyer. You make the job of your business brokers (and the sale of your business) easier if your financials, net worth statements, contracts, employment procedures, etc. are organized in such a way that the reviewer can discern clear information without having to conduct overly consuming research. Your professional may choose to reorganize your information (truthfully, of course) to your greatest benefit. Easily discernible records vastly assist in this process.
The Two Big Questions – Price and Marketing
The biggest concerns of the business seller will always be, "How much can I get?" and "How and to whom should I try to sell?" Murphy Business Brokers are the consummate experts in these areas. They work for you. Their job is to maximize what you get out of the deal and to let you know, straight up, if you have unreasonable expectations. They know where to look for customers, how to package your deal and how to advertise. Will public knowledge of a pending sale hurt the business and the chance for a sale?
Professional business brokers study and are experienced in all of these situations. It's what they do. They optimize your benefit in terms of both asset return and expedience of sale.