You’re here because you’ve either thought about selling your business or you’re wondering what happens when you need to sell.

Either way, welcome to the M&A 101 Bootcamp. This is a high-value crash course on how business owners like you can build toward the right kind of exit. We’ve done this ourselves with our own businesses and helped hundreds of companies prepare (and helped find ideal exits for dozens of owners).

I ask everyone who walks into my office, “Why are you thinking about selling?”

Your reason matters more than you think. In fact, your reason for selling could be the difference between a life-changing payday and walking away with less than you deserve.

Good Reasons to Sell (That Create Value)

Ideally, these are the reasons that buyers love to see someone selling their business. They signal that your business isn’t in trouble, that it’s valuable and will hold lasting value after the transfer, and that you’re in control for a smooth exit.

✅ You’re ready to transition into retirement, with a business that’s thriving

✅ You want to free up time for family, health, or lifestyle goals

✅ You’re looking for a capital partner to help fund growth (and stay involved)

✅ You’ve built something incredible, and it’s time to let someone else take it to the next level

These are all great reasons to sell. They set the tone for a strong, confident negotiation.

Bad Reasons (That Destroy Value)

But owners also have less glamorous realities in which they need to let go of a company. Buyers are always looking for tells like these so they can avoid you when possible. 

❌ You’re burned out, and growth has stalled

❌ The business is in decline, and you want out

❌ You’re navigating an emergency such as death, divorce, or a legal dispute

❌ You’re just done, and you want someone to take it off your hands

Look, we’ve seen it all. And these things happen. If one of the above describes you, it’s not necessarily a dealbreaker (but you do need to disclose as much as possible and control the narrative, tactfully).

 If your reason to sell is reactive (and not strategic), you may end up sacrificing value, time, or leverage in the process. That’s why we want you to think way ahead, long before you have to sell.

I always start with the following three questions to help owners dig a little deeper and sell their business on good terms. Before you go any further, take 5 minutes and write down your answers:

1. What are your goals?

Think big picture here, including your financial, personal, and professional goals. Don’t just think about what you’re leaving, think about what you’re moving toward.

2. What would success look like to you if you look beyond money?

What would you do if you had more time? How do you imagine preserving your company’s culture when you’re gone? What will happen to your team? 

3. Do you have a number in mind for how much money is enough to sell for?

Yes, surely you’ve been either keeping it in the back of your mind or obsessing over it, but every business owner thinks they know what their business is worth (quick heads up: it’s worth what a buyer is willing to pay). Write that number down. ← Actually write it down. We’ll come back to it later in the bootcamp.

Even if your business isn’t perfect right now, even if your reason for selling is more burnout than dream goals, you’re still in the right place.

I’m not your judge. I’m here to help you prepare, position, and get the exit you deserve on your terms. And if you’re considering an exit in the near future, it’s a good idea to get on a complimentary call with an expert who can walk you through anything you need to know:

👉Book a call with an M&A advisor

In the next post, we’re going to flip the script and ask the other big question:

Is your business ready to be sold (even if you’re ready to sell)?