Business Ready For Sale

Deep Dive Discussion On Having A Business Ready For Sale

John Denton Season 1 Episode 30

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This episode is a bit different and is a discussion between two people coming up with their insights around some of my various online content. I think this style of audio is easier to learn from but I'd love to get your feedback. Here is an overview of what is discussed:

John’s Content sources highlight that a lack of knowledge and preparation in business transactions can lead to significant mistakes and ultimately "bad deals" for both buyers and sellers.

Avoiding Mistakes and the Risk of Bad Deals:

Both sources emphasise the complexity of buying or selling a business and warn against potential pitfalls. Without the right knowledge, business owners risk leaving money on the table, making costly errors, or missing out on opportunities. John Denton, in his "rant", underscores the importance of always having your business "ready for sale". He implies that a lack of preparation can hinder the sale process and potentially lead to unfavourable outcomes, as seen in the business owner who couldn't get brokers to return their calls.

The workshop described in the second source, "Ready to Buy or Sell a Business? Make Sure You Get It Right!", directly addresses the issue of avoiding mistakes. It states that getting the critical steps wrong – such as valuation, due diligence, financing, negotiations, and closing the deal – can lead to bad deals, under or overvalued transactions, and financial headaches.

Consequences for Sellers:

  • Sellers risk not getting the right price for their business if they don't understand valuation. John Denton's personal experience of pricing his business too low before engaging a broker illustrates this risk. Selling without proper preparation can cost sellers a lot of money.
  • They may struggle to attract quality and serious buyers if their business isn't presented attractively.
  • Navigating the legal and financial aspects without proper understanding can also lead to mistakes and a less favourable sale.

Consequences for Buyers:

  • Buyers may end up buying a business that isn't worth the price if they don't know how to assess financial health and future potential.
  • Insufficient due diligence can lead to hidden surprises and a bad investment.
  • Poorly structured deals can fail to protect the buyer's interests and increase risks.

The Solution: Preparation and Expert Guidance:

Both sources implicitly and explicitly suggest that preparation and seeking expert advice are crucial to avoiding bad deals. John Denton's podcast encourages business owners to "build your business as though you are going to keep it forever but could sell it tomorrow". This proactive approach ensures the business is always in a saleable condition, potentially leading to better offers when the time comes.

The workshop is presented as a "soluti

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