Sell a Business Tips
Selling a Stocks and Bonds Business
The sale of your stocks and bonds business is the culmination of this stage of your entrepreneurial journey. Although most business owners expect a storybook ending, it will take the careful application of sound selling principles to bring your sale to a successful conclusion.
Business buyers are a timid lot, even more so now that they are facing an uncertain economic landscape.
Eventually, it will the time will come to exit your business. And when that day arrives, you need to know how to sell your stocks and bonds business in a way that achieves positive outcomes for you and the business.
How to Skillfully Address Buyer Concerns
Buyers can present challenges, especially during the due diligence stage. The questions stocks and bonds business ask during due diligence are designed to alleviate their concerns about the business and should be promptly addressed by the seller. Avoid answering buyer concerns with vague generalities. Instead, be as specific as possible, even if it means doing additional research before offering a response. If due diligence drags on too long, your broker may need to intervene.
Finding Prospects
Whether you know it or not, prospective buyers for your stocks and bonds business are all around you. In fact, there is a good chance you already know several individuals or companies that might be interested in buying your business for a decent price. Although some stocks and bonds business sellers advertise their businesses in general classifieds, the most successful sales are those in which professional brokers seek out likely buyers. Competitors may seem like natural prospects and they are. The downside is that they won't pay top dollar and will probably absorb your company into their own.
Adjusting Expectations
Every business seller dreams of a fast sale and a fat payday. However, no one told the marketplace about your expectations. The outcome of your sale will be determined by market forces - not by your personal circumstances or desires. Despite your best efforts, you need to prepare yourself for the possibility of receiving less than you expected from the sale of your stocks and bonds business. If buyers don't seem to be willing to meet your expectations, consult with your broker to modify your strategy and market approach.
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