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.