Positioned to Sell – Primed to Succeed
I had a meeting recently with a business owner who’s done a fine job building something special — solid operations, loyal customers, and strong financial performance. We weren’t sitting down to list the business tomorrow. We were talking about how to prepare — so the business is in a position to create options, not scramble for them.
Because here’s the reality:
If you’re thinking about selling in 3–5 years, you also need to be ready if someone comes knocking today.
Strategic buyers don’t wait for your perfect timeline. They look for well-run companies that are built to scale and don’t depend on the owner for everything. And when those acquirers show up, the businesses that are ready are the ones that can command a premium multiple — or gracefully decline the offer and keep growing.
A business built to sell is, quite simply, a better business to own. The same steps that position it for a strategic exit — clean financials, documented processes, strong team, happy customers, recurring revenue — also make it more valuable, less stressful, and easier to grow.
We walked through a value roadmap that included:
· Buttoning up the financials
· Reducing owner dependency
· Documenting systems and workflows
· Identifying areas for strategic growth
· Monitoring customer satisfaction
· Building a buyer-ready story
Whether you sell or not, you win:
If a buyer shows up unexpectedly, you’re ready — and positioned to negotiate from strength.
If you hold the business longer, you’re running something stronger, healthier, and more valuable.
It’s never too early to prepare. The best exits are rarely spontaneous — they’re intentional.
A Final Word — and an Open Door
If you’re starting to think about an exit in the next 3–5 years — or if you just want to improve the value and structure of your company — let’s talk. No pressure. No sales pitch. Just a candid look at where you are now and how to put your business in the best position for whatever comes next.
Let’s talk about building your exit on purpose — not by accident.
Click here to schedule an introductory call with me, or feel free to email me directly at dave.godwin@cbiteam.com.
I help entrepreneurs buy and sell remarkable businesses — and just as importantly, I help them plan their exits. Together, we’ll figure out if now’s the right time and how to position your business to ask (and get) a higher selling price.
All conversations are handled with the strictest of confidentiality.
