Selling your business can feel like stepping into uncharted territory.  The questions keep piling up: 

·       “Am I even ready to sell?” 

·       “Will I get the price I need?” 

·       “What if buyers don’t see the value I’ve built?” 

These fears are completely normal. Your business is your baby and it’s years of hard work, sacrifices, and sleepless nights.  The thought of letting it go can feel overwhelming, especially when time is tight. 

But here’s the good news: whether you have two years, six months, or just one month to prepare, there’s always a way to make your business more attractive to buyers.  Let’s have a closer look so you can tackle the process with confidence. 

The Ideal World: Two Years to Prepare

If you had two years to get ready, you’d have the chance to polish every aspect of your business. Think of it like putting your house on the market; you’d repaint the walls, fix that squeaky door, and maybe even redo the kitchen. 

Here’s how we’d tackle a two-year timeline: 

1. Set Your Goals 

Start with a clear vision.  What do you want from the sale?  Financial freedom?  Time to travel?  A new business venture?  Understanding your goals helps shape every decision along the way. 

2.  Get the Numbers in Order 

Buyers want to see clean, accurate financials.  Over the next two years, we need to work on:

·       Streamlining your accounting systems. 

·       Reducing unnecessary expenses. 

·       Building consistent, predictable cash flow.

   Numbers tell a story, now let yours speak confidence and success. 

3. Reduce Owner Dependence

Imagine a buyer asking, “What happens if you’re not around?”  If the answer is “Everything falls apart,” we’ve got work to do. Focus on:

·       Delegating responsibilities to a capable management team. 

·       Documenting all processes so the business runs smoothly without you. 

Buyers want to invest in a machine, not a one-man band. 

4. Polish Your Brand 

·       Refresh your website and marketing materials.

·       Strengthen your online presence and reputation.

·       Ensure your brand stands out in the marketplace.

A strong, well-loved brand can command a premium price. 

5. Tidy Up Contracts and Legalities 

·       Are all your supplier and customer agreements up-to-date?

·       Do you have employee contracts in place?

Cleaning up legal loose ends now avoids headaches during due diligence. 

The Real World: Six Months to Prepare 

Sometimes, life throws curveballs, and two years isn’t an option.  Maybe you’re facing burnout, or an unexpected opportunity has come your way.  Six months isn’t a lot of time, but it’s enough to make a real impact.

Here’s what to focus on: 

1. Clean Up the Books 

Buyers will immediately ask for your financial statements. Make sure they’re: 

·       Accurate 

·       Up-to-date 

·       Easy to understand 

If anything looks messy or unclear, they’ll hesitate, or worse yet walk away. 

2. Fix What’s Broken 

Do a quick audit of your business.  Are there glaring issues that could scare buyers off?  Tackle the ones that are easiest to fix in the short term, like:

·       Outdated contracts

·       Poor customer service feedback

·       Obvious inefficiencies in your operations

3. Highlight the Wins 

Buyers love potential.  Focus on showcasing the things you’re already doing well, like: 

·       Steady revenue growth 

·       Loyal customers 

·       Exciting opportunities for expansion 

Paint a picture of what’s possible, and they’ll start imagining themselves running the business.

4. Delegate Key Tasks 

Start transitioning day-to-day responsibilities to your team.  Buyers need to see that the business isn’t entirely dependent on you.  Even small steps in this direction can boost their confidence.

The Crunch: One Month to Prepare

Maybe you’ve got just one month to get everything in shape. While that’s not ideal, it’s not hopeless either.  The goal here is to prioritize what matters most and avoid deal-breakers. 

1. Get Financials Buyer-Ready 

At the very least, make sure you have: 

·       Clean profit-and-loss statements. 

·       A clear understanding of your cash flow. 

·       All major financial liabilities accounted for. 

Buyers don’t need perfection but they need transparency. 

2. Fix Red Flags 

Do you have any legal or compliance risks hanging over your head?  Get those sorted ASAP.  Buyers will walk away at the first sign of trouble. 

3. Focus on Strengths 

You may not have time to fix everything, but you can shine a spotlight on what makes your business great.  Highlight: 

·       Your best performing products or services. 

·       Happy customers or testimonials. 

·       Unique aspects of your business that set you apart. 

4. Polish the Story 

Buyers are human and they want to hear your story.  Why did you start the business?  What’s made it successful?  And why is now the perfect time to buy?  A compelling narrative can make all the difference.

The Biggest Fear: “What If It’s Not Enough?” 

A lot of business owners worry they’ll run out of time and end up with a sale that doesn’t reflect the blood, sweat, and tears they’ve poured into their business. 

Here’s the truth: You may not get everything perfect, but that’s okay.  Most buyers understand that no business is flawless.  What they want is a business with potential, transparency, and a clear path forward.

How We Can Help 

At Exit Strategy, we know this process can feel overwhelming.  That’s why we’re here to help you prioritise, prepare, and present your business in the best light; no matter how much time you have.

·       Got two years?  We’ll help you build a business that buyers will fight over. 

·       Six months?  Let’s tackle the essentials to maximise your value. 

·       One month?  We’ll focus on the quick wins to get you sale-ready fast. 

You don’t have to do this alone.  Selling your business is a big step, but with the right guidance, it can be a smooth, rewarding journey. 

Let’s Talk 

Where are you in your journey?  Are you just starting to think about selling, or do you need help ASAP? Drop a comment below or reach out directly;  I’d love to hear your story and see how I can help.

Remember, every step you take to prepare your business, no matter how small, brings you closer to the sale you deserve.  Let’s make it happen!