Business Exits By Industry
Selling a Classified Advertising Business
The decision to sell your classified advertising business isn't something that should be taken lightly, especially these days. If a business exit is on the horizon, you'll want to check out our suggestions for staying ahead of the market.
You need to get a good price for your classified advertising business. To get there, you'll need to set realistic expectations and follow a deliberate selling strategy.
Market timing is a constantly moving target. Knowledgeable entrepreneurs understand that market timing isn't nearly as important as other factors in a classified advertising business sale. You just need to know your buyers and structure the deal accordingly.
Working with Appraisers
An experienced appraiser is part and parcel of a successful classified advertising business sale. Leading industry appraisers equip sellers with a value gauge that can be accessed during negotiations. Following the appraisal, you may choose to delay your sale until you can increase the value of assets and revenue.
Negotiation Teams
Even if you hire a business broker to facilitate the sale of your classified advertising business, it's likely that you will be the front line negotiator. Negotiation is a chess game, best played with the resources and backend support of a negotiation team. A negotiation team comprised of trusted advisors and senior business leaders is essential in helping you devise a winning negotiation strategy. More importantly, a negotiation team can serve as a sounding board -- an objective presence that prohibits your personal emotions from clouding your judgment or sabotaging your efforts to negotiate a successful deal.
Economic Considerations
Several economic factors can affect the sale of a classified advertising business. A combination of economic conditions and market sentiment can complicate your sale. The truth is that perfect market conditions may never materialize. If you don't believe your classified advertising business would sell for top dollar right now, what can you do to make it more attractive to the marketplace? Increase profitability? Build brand visibility?. When it comes to selling a classified advertising business, successful sales sales often boil down to the business itself - not the economy.
Share this article
Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs