Don’t Ignore These Signs You Should Sell Your Business

Are you ignoring the signs? Brian Knoderer, President of Sunbelt Business Brokers talks about these important signs that it is time to sell.

Woman looking out the glass

As we age and develop, it’s only natural for our interests to change personally and professionally. Business owners, especially serial entrepreneurs, undergo a similar process to employees who seek a job or career change. But, rather than updating resumes and preparing for interviews, their growth manifests through new entrepreneurial endeavors – and often, that means letting go of ones that no longer serve their interests. If you feel you’ve hit a plateau within your current operations, it could be time to move on. Be wary of any of the following six telltale signs you should sell your business.

6 Signs You Should Sell Your Business
Most long-term entrepreneurs don’t solely operate in a unilateral space. There are plenty of reasons one may opt to exit their small business and pursue new opportunities.

Shifting Market Trends
Not every successful business endeavor is ever-green. If you feel your company is beginning to outgrow demand from its customer base due to changing market trends, it could be time to move onward. The trick is to sell while you’re still near the peak of your game, increasing value to a potential buyer. Higher valuations translate to higher earnings for a seller. If you play your cards right, you can make enough to live comfortably or invest in a new business altogether.

You’ve Met the Right Offer
Market demand could be on your side, and you may still wish to cash in on your hard work – and that’s okay! If you’re presented with the right offer, you’ll have to decide whether or not you’re comfortable leaving your brand in someone else’s hands. But, this kind of monetary value and newfound freedom can allow you to retire or pursue other endeavors.

Personal Conflict or Burnout
Let’s face it – entrepreneurship isn’t a walk in the park. Even the most resilient can feel overwhelmed by the day-to-day challenges of owning a business. While stress is normal and to be expected, it can quickly overrule the joy of running a small business. If your business is taking a significant toll on your mental or physical health, it could be a sign that it’s time to move on.

Creativity Stops Flowing

As your interests and perspectives change, your skillset should also evolve. It’s common for entrepreneurs to feel they’ve hit their stride while facing the inevitable plateau in their business. If reinvigorating or reinvesting your current model doesn’t sound appealing, you may have expended all the energy you have left for this particular endeavor. Now could be the time to walk away and refocus your skills on other goals you’re more prepared to achieve.

Accumulated Debt
Businesses are an ongoing investment, and to an extent, feeding in can be reasonable. In the early years, debts are expected. But, you have to be able to recognize a business that is at the brink of success and one that isn’t worth dumping more change into. Tapping into your retirement accounts and savings isn’t a good sign if you’re second-guessing yourself already. Your small business should evolve financially, or you could be falling into a money pit.

Retirement is on the Horizon
Are you daydreaming of blue skies and sandy beaches? If retirement is nearing your future, you should start making arrangements to exit your business. Recent reports suggest 78% of business owners have no formal transition plan. Without a clear business sales plan, you’re leaving money on the table and probably aren’t receiving as high of earnings as you could

Entrepreneurship is an ever-changing journey, and it often doesn’t make sense to stay in one space indefinitely. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to step back and refocus your energy elsewhere, our team can help. Locate your nearest Sunbelt Business Brokers office and schedule a consultation to discuss the best interest of your operations.

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brian knoderer
Brian Knoderer is the President of Sunbelt Business Brokers. He has over 20 years of experience as a business owner and managing business transactions. As a seasoned intermediary, Brian has successfully represented companies in a broad range of industries helping business owners achieve their desired exit strategy or growth initiative.

Brian is also co-owner of Sunbelt Indiana and Managing Director of MMI Capital Partners, a franchisor focused investment banking firm.

Previously Brian was involved in several entrepreneurial ventures as well as having held corporate roles in Franchise Development for Prime Hospitality and Choice Hotels.

Brian is a graduate of Ball State University with a degree in Management Information Systems and earned his MBA from Butler University. He has received the Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA) designation, holds both the Series 7 – General Security License and the Series 63 – Uniform Securities Licenses, and is a licensed Real Estate Broker. He has been affiliated with several organizations including the Entrepreneur Organization, a Member of the International Business Brokers Association, Venture Club, and a Board Member of The Entrepreneur Institute.

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