1. 5 Tips for Selling a Business
If you’ve decided, the time to sell your business has arrived, follow these 5 tips to ensure
maximum profit. You’ll be happy you did!
Way back when you first started your business, you likely didn’t think about selling your
business down the road, or maybe you did. After a number of years of working really hard and
turning your business into a success, you deserve to get fair market value or higher for your
business.
1. Establish the Value of Your Business – There are a number of formulas that can be used to
determine the value, but it will include assets, cash flow, gross revenue, growth, and other
factors.
2. What are the True Financials – A small business legally reduces profits to enjoy the best tax
breaks. However, then when you are go to sell your business it will not reflect the real value of
your business, which is why you need to establish the true financials.
3. Consider the Financing – If you want to sell your business quickly consider carrying the
person who wants to buy your business. Most small businesses are at least 75% owned and
financed by the owner. Increase the likelihood of a sale by offering to finance for 2 to 5 years at
current interest rates.
4. Keep it Quiet – Contrary to what you might think, you should not be telling the world your
business is for sale. While this might bring you good exposure, if your suppliers find out they
may close your line of credit or accounts payables. So hush!
5. Use a broker – A business broker will help you establish the right asking price to generate a
sale. Your broker will also qualify before releasing any of your personal information or exposing
your financials.
© 2011 Apptivo Inc. All rights reserved.

2. Now that you’ve decided to sell your business, you need to analyze it. When you’ve been
running your business over the years you might forget the real selling features of your business
and its actual value. So sit down, grab a pen and paper, write down a list in detail about your
businesses benefits including the perks that are relevant to your business. It doesn’t have to be
neat, just write what comes to your mind, and later you can tidy it up.
These 5 tips for a successful business sale will ensure your business sells and that you have the
cash flow you need to start your new life adventure.
© 2011 Apptivo Inc. All rights reserved.