Selling a business can be difficult. In fact, it may be one of the most difficult things you can take on as a business owner.

According to one study, only 20 to 30 percent of companies that go to market sell.

At first glance this might make you despair if you're dreaming of selling your business quickly but no need to worry, there are ways to sell your business fast. In fact we routinely help businesses sell within 6 months or less.

In this guide, we're going to show you how to sell a business quickly. Whatever your industry, you'll be able to put these tips into action and get your company on the path to get sold in short order.

Ready to learn more about the essential steps that you need to take to sell your business?

Then keep reading and find out more.

Table of Contents

1. Clean Up Your Accounting Records & Financial Processes
2. Operational Excellence
3. Market Your Business
4. Creating a Competitive Atmosphere
5. Honesty is the Best Policy
6. Screen Your Buyers
7. Arrange a Meeting with Qualified Buyers
8. Be Prepared for the Prospective Buyer's Research
9. Consider Financing
10. Negotiating An Agreement
11. No Bites? Consider Selling to Employees
12. Engage a Professional Business Broker
13. Common Selling Mistakes
14. Tax Considerations

Imagine this: You’ve spent years — decades, even — pouring into your business. You’ve labored and toiled day-in and day-out to create something truly special, and you’ve made it! Your business is thriving, you’re producing excellent products and bringing in equally excellent profits, and though you’ve experienced your share of bumps in the road, you’ve built an empire you can take pride in.

But now, something’s changed. You’ve built your business, taken care of it, and achieved your goals, but lately, you’ve felt like it’s time to move on to new horizons. Maybe you’ve decided to retire. Perhaps you no longer have that same passion, and you want to try out something new. Whatever your reasons for wanting to move on, you know it’s time to pass the business on to someone else.

There’s one problem, though — you don’t know how to sell a business. You’ve definitely built some solid business skills over the years, but that doesn’t mean you’re ready to broker your own sale. There’s a lot to consider when you’re selling a business, and right now, it seems like an overwhelming prospect.

Does that scenario sound familiar? Well, you’re in luck because Sunbelt Atlanta is here to help! We are a team of expert business brokers with over 70 years of collective experience buying and selling businesses. If you’re looking for a manufacturing business broker, you’ve come to the right place.

At Sunbelt Atlanta, we’re passionate about taking the frustration and headaches out of brokering the sale of your business. We know you’ve worked hard, and we believe you shouldn’t have to wade through the complicated process of selling your business all on your own. We’re ready to partner with you every step of the way so that you can reap the rewards from your years of hard work.

Are you ready to get started? We are too. Selling your manufacturing business doesn’t have to be painful. In fact, we’re here to make it easy! 

In this blog, we will explore the process of selling a manufacturing business. We will cover topics such as preparing the business for sale, finding the right buyer, and maximizing the value of the sale. Additionally, we will discuss the services offered by Sunbelt Atlanta Business Brokers, and how they can help business owners get the most value for their manufacturing business. Our goal is to provide business owners with the information and resources they need to successfully navigate the process of selling their manufacturing business.

If you're considering selling your construction company, you're not alone. There are many reasons why business owners decide to sell, whether it's to retire, dissolve a partnership, or pursue new opportunities. However, selling a small "Mom & Pop" construction company can be challenging, especially if you're the sole owner and operator. If you're ready to move forward with the sale, there are several steps you'll need to take to prepare your business and find a buyer. In this blog post, we'll provide some tips and guidance to help you successfully sell your construction company.

So you’re thinking about selling your insurance agency — that's fantastic! The fact that you've reached this decision tells me you've put your heart and soul into building a business that's worth something. You want to get this right.

In a recent “Ask the Experts” podcast Doreen Morgan, owner of Sunbelt Business Brokers Atlanta, talked with Steve O about selling a distribution business.

Who is Doreen Morgan and Sunbelt Business Brokers Atlanta?

Doreen Morgan began her career in franchise development, helping people who wanted to purchase a franchise. She worked with five brands, including Mrs. Fields cookies. Doreen helped franchisees find locations and move through the franchising process more smoothly. An equity firm bought out her company, and they asked her to help sell their 350 corporate sites. As the list dwindled, she realized she would soon be out of a job. In 2004, she joined Sunbelt Atlanta, using her ample experience selling companies. She left the company to pursue other interests until it was time for the owner of Sunbelt Atlanta to retire, and she returned and bought the company. 

The professionals working at Sunbelt have all owned companies and know what it takes to own and run a business successfully. They also understand what is needed when it is time to sell. Sunbelt Business Brokers Atlanta focuses solely on the sell side of things.

The company primarily operates in the Georgia area and the Southeast. However, they possess industry expertise and will stretch their availability across the country if needed.

Selling your own business comes with a lot of headaches. Often you will encounter situations and circumstances beyond your control that you are not prepared for, which could risk your livelihood. When it comes to selling a medical practice, there are many variables and considerations you must factor in. During a recent Ask the Experts podcast, Steve O interviewed Doreen Morgan from Sunbelt Atlanta Business Brokers to get her take on selling a medical practice.

The goal of many business owners is to grow the business and when the time is right to sell it for a profit. However, selling your construction company alone can be a nightmare. Doreen Morgan from Sunbelt Atlanta offered the information below during a recent radio interview to help you sell your construction company.

Listen to the interview Now

In America, Covid-19 first began to impact the business world in January 2020. By March 2020 its impact was in full swing as lockdowns began and the first economic stimulus plan was signed into law. This period, from March 2020 onward, will be heavily scrutinized when brokers try to assess the value of any business being sold today.

Despite Covid, Buyers are looking to purchase Businesses

If you are thinking about selling your business, the good news is that there are plenty of buyers. But do you know what your business is worth?

As a medical professional, you know the value of hard work. After those long years in medical school, passing your board exams, and finally becoming a certified physician, you successfully built an impressive practice. You’ve served countless patients and worked countless hours to provide the highest standard of care for those who trusted you with their medical needs, and now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

You started with a dream and a few good people, you worked hard, and you’ve built a strong, successful software company. Now, you’re looking to cash in on that hard work and move onto bigger and better things. Or maybe you’ve gotten some fantastic offers on your company and you want to make sure you handle the sale of company like a pro. 

No matter your situation, selling a software company can be stressful, especially on the heels of a global pandemic, social unrest, wild presidential election cycle, need I say more?

We've laid out the top 10 things to consider before you consider the sale of your software business in 2021.  Read on to learn more about how to approach this process and ensure that you receive the outcome you desire.

Putting your business on the market is a major, and potentially life-changing, decision. Whether you retire, shift to a new opportunity, or just want to hand the company over to someone with more enthusiasm, it can be difficult to let go of something into which you’ve poured much of yourself. These strategies can make the transition easier and increase the odds of a lucrative sale.

Sooner or later, every entrepreneur will either want to retire or be forced to. Yet most never think much about the future of their business after they’re gone. It’s easy to become so tied to your business that you cannot separate your identity from it. Even if you cannot imagine leaving your business any time soon, the time to plan is now. Here’s a rough overview of your options. 

It’s a familiar scenario to exit planners: a small business owner in the suburbs has owned a business for many decades. Now they’re seriously considering an exit. Their sales are up and the economy is thriving. New entrepreneurs are eager to invest in quality businesses. But there are liabilities, too: the owner’s tax returns do not align with their profitability thanks to unreported sales, personal expenses, and other creative tax management approaches. This tax minimization has been highly successful, but it now presents a serious barrier to highlighting the full profitability of the company.

Finding a buyer for your business is a lot like dating. Business owners are often so flattered to have an interested buyer that they forget to focus on ensuring that the buyer is the right buyer. Buyers are not scarce if you sell your business, and its story, in the right way. 

If you’re contemplating a business sale, odds are good you’ve never done this before—and that even if you have, it’s only been once or twice. Selling a business is a skill that demands practice, which many sellers lack. To get the most out of the sale, avoid these rookie mistakes:

You’ve committed a significant chunk of your time, and maybe of your life, to your business. You’ll never know when the best time to sell is until after the fact. This uncertainty is enough to push many owners over the edge. Others continually delay putting their company on the market, hoping the market will continually rise. It won’t. Here’s how to live with the uncertainty and find the right time to sell your company. Here are the basic criteria you need to evaluate before putting your company on the market. 

Selling your business is not something you do suddenly. The further ahead you think, the more successful a sale has the potential to be. Here are the biggest mistakes sellers make when putting a business on the market.

The independent spirit of many entrepreneurs is a key factor in their success. When you sell your business, however, a DIY approach is almost always a recipe for disaster. No matter whom you sell your company to, you likely have little experience selling a business. Going it alone almost inevitably means losing money and time. Here’s how a business broker can make the process easier and more profitable.

You’ve dedicated years, maybe even decades, to your business. So don’t gamble when it comes to turning that work into cash as you plan an exit. Exit planning begins with assessing the opportunities and risks a buyer would likely see during due diligence. This empowers you to proactively position your business for a lucrative sale, while marketing to the right buyers. 

Whether you’re planning an exit now or assessing options for the future, you’ve already accomplished something most people never will. Selling your company is probably something you’ll do just once, so take time to prepare for the sale so you can get the most out of the process. These seven steps can help prepare your business for a successful sale. 

Selling your company can feel daunting, but there is a proven model for increasing business value and successfully closing deals. The goal here is to focus on drivers of valuation. Here’s what you need to know. 

Selling your business for a fair price can be an exhausting undertaking. This can be exhausting and stressful, especially when you’re still trying to keep your business running. You don’t have to be an expert in power dynamics or mind-reading to sell for a high price, though. A few simple tips focus on the basics of a successful business, ensuring your business looks like an enticing investment to the right buyer. To minimize stress while maximizing gains, try these strategies: 

Every month, more than half a million people become business owners. For many, the primary goal is to grow and sell their business. You can make a significant profit by growing and, eventually, selling your business, but the transaction itself demands significant work which almost every owner will underestimate. Finding the right buyer is a job unto itself. As the price tag rises, so too does the complexity involved in the transaction. For this reason, many owners seek the counsel of a business broker. A broker supports the sale by valuing the business, finding buyers, acting as an intermediary, and seeing the transaction through to completion. Here’s what you need to know before you hire a business broker to help you sell your business.

The decision to hire an M&A advisor is an important one, not something to rush. You’ll likely only sell a business once, and the effects of that sale can have far-reaching reverberations. So ensure you partner with the right person by interviewing them first. These five questions can help narrow your options:

If a buyer offered to purchase your company tomorrow, what would you do? You’d need to figure out their motives first, and assess whether they are really serious. In many cases, the buyer is a competitor who respects your work. The process challenging, though, and takes months to complete. The risks can be extraordinary. So if you get approached and don’t have a firm advising you, you may leave money on the table—or worse, endanger your business. When approached by a buyer, most sellers make the same mistake: failing to properly investigate the buyer and plan for the transaction.

The business sale market is witnessing a bonanza. Despite this, some owners struggle to close deals. After all, value is in the eye of the beholder and sales operate according to simple principles of supply and demand. If you don’t create demand for your business it will be impossible to achieve maximum value. Here are the most common mistakes, and how to fix them.

If you’re selling your business, you can go through the stress and risk of selling it yourself, or you can hire a business broker to help ensure that you achieve maximum value. Brokers boast years of experience. They know what works and what doesn’t, and they know how a transaction should proceed. They can level the playing field between you and the buyer, offering a significant advantage at the negotiation table.

You’ve finally decided to sell your business. Whether this is an emotional decision after years of debate, an easy choice that you hope will be profitable, or a bridge to retirement, now the real work begins. Preparing your business for a sale is the most significant factor in the success of the sale. It can take years to get ready for a sale, and your preparation can pay off in the form of a more lucrative sale with more favorable terms than you otherwise could have expected.

It’s typical for owners to periodically contemplate selling their business. But how can you tell if it’s the right time to sell? The answer varies from company to company and is heavily dependent on the market. No matter the type of business you run or your motives for selling, there are three conditions that should be present for a sale to be a good idea.

Sellers sell their businesses for many reasons, but the chief among them is money. So every M&A advisor has encountered a client with value expectations that are sky-high. Many see selling price as a sort of business report card, and they want their business to get excellent grades. It’s also common for owners to let their emotions lead the way. They’ve put in years of hard work, the thinking goes, and so that hard work should come with a handsome reward.

Most owners can benefits immensely from working with a broker to help them sell their small to medium-sized business. While you can sell your business on your own, the process will be more stressful, and may result in a lower sale price with less favorable terms. The right sales team leverages the expertise of brokers who have helped sell hundreds of businesses.

It’s a familiar tale virtually every M&A firm has encountered: a family-owned chain is successful, but with multiple areas of improvement that may be red flags for buyers. Not wanting to miss out on a strong market, they go to market anyway. And after six months, there’s still no buyer. Worse still, the company is so consumed by the deal process that they’re unable to make improvements or continue building value.

If you plan to sell your business soon, you’ve picked the right time. Consumer confidence is high, and profitable businesses are earning top dollar in a booming economy. Yet many sellers seem overwhelmed. This sense of being overwhelmed can cause them to delay selling to a future date, when the environment for a sale might be less favorable.

Many owners planning to sell their business wonder whether or not to hire a business broker. Many decide not to—and often suffer significant financial harm as a result. Of course, they may never even know that a business broker could have gotten them a better deal. A business broker needs to be a part of your M&A team. Here are 15 simple reasons why:

If you’ve spent decades, or perhaps even a lifetime, building a small business from the ground up, now might be a good time to sell. Valuations are up, and early signs suggest that trend won’t continue forever. You should begin preparing for a sale at least a couple of years before you hope to close a deal. So if you think you might be getting there, here’s what you need to do first.

No matter when you plan to sell your business—soon or many years down the road—a few steps now can ensure a more successful future transaction.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in 2017 has been repeatedly called the most significant change to the tax code in three decades. It’s too soon to know if the legislation will improve the economy, but it’s important for businesses to know the impacts of the new provisions, and to adjust their strategies accordingly.

Getting your idea off the ground and into a business has taken a lot. You’ve hit bumps and rough patches. But now acquirers are taking note. You’ve arrived…almost.

Owners preparing to sell their company should be prepared to offer comprehensive, believable answers to the questions buyers often ask. At the heart of these questions is a desire to understand why the owner wishes to sell, whether there is a hidden agenda, and the extent to which the buyer can rely on assertions made by the owner.

2018: A Great Time to Sell Your Business

Selling a business that generates 5 million and under 10 million in revenue? Here is how to find the best brokerage firm to represent you when you live in “No Man’s Land”. Companies with sales of between $5 million, but under 10 Million annually may struggle with where to turn for assistance.

Business owners have often committed a significant portion of their lives to building their businesses. They devote every spare moment to perfecting their operations and managing their employees. While laudable, these efforts can also backfire. A business that can’t operate without its owner is one that is more vulnerable to failure when it sells.

You have been at helm of your Georgia based business your head down and nose to the grindstone for years now. After dealing with customers, suppliers and employees for so long you’ve built a well-oiled machine that is growing on both the top and bottom lines each year. The hard work has paid off and you are now a market leader in the sector, niche, and geography.

Like any other business, one of the things you must know to run a successful Ecommerce business is your market. This is to enable you to run an effective marketing campaign. It has never worked for anyone who just built an Ecommerce site and waited for customers to come his way, and you are no exception.

Buying an existing business is a great way to simultaneously become more financially independent and kickstart your cash flow.

For many business owners who’ve survived one of the toughest recessions in recent memory, the timing couldn’t be better for consolidating two or more businesses into one or strategically buying out a rival business.

Marketing your business to potential buyers can prove more challenging than marketing to customers. That’s because discretely selling your business depends on keeping your plans off of customers’ radar.

Starting up your own business can be much easier than what comes later. Business owners from around the country report that it’s harder for them to develop a comprehensive exit strategy and engage multiple bidders than get their business off the ground in the first place.

Coming to the decision that now is the right time to sell your business is much easier than developing a nuanced exit strategy and actually handing over the keys to a new owner.

You may have been working for someone else for years but have always wanted to run your own business. You’ve seen the potential profit you can make and you’ve decided to take that leap into the business world, but instead of building a business from the ground up you are thinking of buying an established business so you’re on the fast track to profit. You can’t simply buy a business without first asking the right questions to ensure you proper success and avoid potential disaster. But, what questions do you ask yourself and the business seller?

When negotiating merger and acquisition transactions, the tax impact of such transactions must be addressed urgently to allow each party to meet its tax and economic objectives without hurting the other party.

You thought buying a franchise tried your patience. Selling a franchise is the other side of that business equation, and it comes with its own set of unique variables. The more you know about what it takes to sell your franchise, the better prepared you’ll be to deal with those variables, and the greater your chances of a successful transaction will be.

From making sure your stock is up-to-date to ensuring that your customers are happy with your products or services, running any business can be difficult no matter the type. Seasonal businesses present even more difficulties for business owners because they have to find ways of keeping clients interested for as long as possible.

Atlanta, Georgia – July 30, 2014 – Sunbelt Business Brokers – ATLANTA, a full-service business brokerage and middle-market M&A firm, is pleased to announce the acquisition of its client Kleen Air Research, Inc. by ARES Holdings, LLC.

ATLANTA July 22, 2014 — Sunbelt Business Brokers has been selected for the 2014 Best of Atlanta Award in the Business Brokers category by the Atlanta Award Program.

But how does one do that, yet still remain unique and innovative enough to maintain a competitive advantage? The answer is simpler than you might think: buying an existing business.

When considering starting a business, most individuals explore franchise opportunities. On the surface it seems pretty self-explanatory: you pay a fee to franchise an existing business. But there is quite a bit more involved when buying into a franchise. The bigger question is, “What sets a franchise apart from other business opportunities?”

When you start a business and it turns into a profitable success, you form a unique connection to it. Like watching your own child grow from infancy, your business becomes your baby that you have nurtured to your best ability to see it succeed. So, when it comes time to sell your business, your emotional connection may cloud your senses when conducting the deal. You may think of yourself as impervious to these feelings, but it is not uncommon to be internally swayed by a sense of approaching loss.

Have you been dreaming of buying a business…in an industry that you don’t know the first thing about? Maybe you’re a nurse but you’ve always dreamed of owning a doggy day care; maybe you’re a meteorologist but you want to run a coffee shop. Once upon a time, the first step was to go back to school and get an MBA to learn all the business knowledge necessary to run a successful enterprise. Now, though, many business owners are turning to business coaches.

Many people dream of starting their own businesses, but few people actually go out and make their dreams happen. And, among those who do, there is no guarantee of success. In fact, around half of new businesses fail within their first year. The takeaway: you need to be realistic about your expectations and about your own ability to successfully manage a business. While there is no guaranteed way to tell if your business will be successful, there are some qualities necessary to be an excellent business owner and operator. If you possess these qualities, then you greatly improve your chances of business success.  Another very positive way to help assure success is to purchase an existing business with a proven success record.  This is where Sunbelt Business Brokers can provide a great deal of guidance to help you along in this process to realize your dream of owning a rewarding and successful business.

Owning your own small business can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also be a stressful time. Even if you handle everything properly, there are still mistakes that can be made if you aren’t prepared for what comes next. Before you make any investments, or sign any contracts, there are a few things that you should know when it comes to common mistakes that business buyers tend to make. Any company that you purchase is never going to be a risk-free opportunity, but the more that you know about these common mistakes, the more well insulated you could be from financial disaster.

In the life of many business owners, there will be a moment when you realize that you could make some money if you decide to sell your business. How do you know when it’s the right time to sell? There are quite a few factors which could influence when that time is, and if you’re paying attention, you may see an opportunity that is too good to miss.

Georgia is known for its history, beautiful weather and Southern charm, but in recent years has also gained renown as a hotbed for new business development. Atlanta ranks at #7 in the nation for number of metropolitan area businesses, up from #8 last year. Further proof of this can be seen in a report on the large growth of women-owned businesses in the state. Georgia has an estimated 308,200 businesses owned by women, more than half of them located in Atlanta. These businesses alone contribute $44 billion in revenue for the state of Georgia, making them important contributors to the state’s economy.

The dream of financial independence is deeply ingrained in the DNA of  Americans. Day and night, across television, radio and the internet, advertisements tempt us with the promise of financial freedom: to be your own boss, to set your own hours and to reap all of the benefits of your efforts. Recent trends indicate that, in spite – or perhaps because of – a sluggish economy, there are now substantially more people pursuing this dream every day. It often said that the beginnings of Silicon Valley weren’t in the offices and computer labs of big businesses, but instead in the innovation of small technicians and thinkers working in their garages. And many would-be entrepreneurs are concluding that if you have the talent to run your own business, there’s no need to waste it working for someone else.

Did you know that most start-ups fail simply due to poor funding? Statistically, most budding businesses never get past their business plans simply because it has become increasingly challenging to convince investors to have faith in risky ventures helmed by inexperienced entrepreneurs.

Thinking about selling your business? Is an acquisition about to take place? If so, business valuation is typically done in one of three ways: by the seller before putting the company up for sale, by the buyer before making an offer, or by both to come to an agreement. Despite this fact, going through this process is never as straightforward as it sounds.

As you probably know, owning a restaurant is one of the most risky business endeavors one can take. That’s why when you’re searching for one to buy, it’s vital that you know exactly how to find the best ones at the most reasonable prices.

The article below recent appeared in the Wall Street Journal, and it’s extremely relevant to all of you who are interested in selling a business in Atlanta. Many business brokers like us believe that 2011 will be a prime year for selling businesses. If you’re interested in selling your business, please get in touch with one of our Atlanta business brokers.

Now might be a great time to buy a business in Georgia. According to an article that appeared in AJC.com, the number of federal loans to small businesses recently increased by a large margin.

There is no doubt that like selling a house, selling a business can be extremely stressful. Although you’ll need the help of an experienced Atlanta business broker, it’s still important to equip yourself with some vital tips of the trade, so that when the final signatures are put on paper, both you and the buyer will end up happy.

Owning one’s own business seems to be a common dream. The idea of being one’s own boss and setting one’s own hours is extremely enticing for many people. Nevertheless, these people seem to overlook how stressful and daunting running a business can be. The most difficult task is actually getting the business of the ground, and this is why some have opted to purchase existing small businesses that seem to be going under. At first glance, this might appear to be a bad idea, but there are definitely some positive aspects that make it a tempting venture.

A vast majority of business deals ought to be done with a business broker.  However, if you have a deal where there might not be enough money in the sale to pay off liabilities, or even cover the fees for the broker for that matter, here is a brief over view of how you might want to approach this situation.

So, you’ve agreed to commit to the undertaking of purchasing a business, but you still need to make it official – you need to sign the purchase. It is a legal agreement that makes clear all the details of the sale.

The field of business valuation can appear complex and complicated – with its many different methods of arriving at the worth of a company.  If you’re a business owner interested in buying or selling a business, this little list might come in handy whenever other owners and brokers start throwing around this foreign terminology.

Whether you’re selling or buying a business, it can prove to be daunting task.  Because there are certain procedures you must follow and documents you must complete, in most cases, it’s vital that you seek the help of an intermediary that specializes in buying and selling.  They will be able to guide you through this overwhelming process.

When you’re faced with an interested buyer, you ought to be prepared to answer the most obvious question: “why are you selling your business?”  Whatever the reason maybe, in most cases, it’s best to be truthful.  If the buyer later finds out it’s actually a different reason, it will most likely ward them off.  So, honesty is key.  Here are the top 7 reasons (in no particular order) why people sell their businesses:

Here in Atlanta, like in most other places, the task of buying or selling a business can prove to be a tough hill to climb.  Nevertheless, with a little inside information, you stand a better chance at coming out on top, whatever your particular venture might be.

Simply put, if you are able to understand the factors that determine the value of your business, you will increase your firm’s short and long-term profitability.  After all, what business owner out there wouldn’t want this?