Should I sell my business myself or call in expert help?

Hi Aunty B,

I am a sole trader who has been running a successful and growing business over the last 10 years.

It is a mobile service operating from a van, and caters to the auto industry. So far it has been recession proof. The business is great, with strong clientele, many repeat customers and much more room to grow.

The time has come for me to sell the business, as I am beginning to find it physically difficult maintaining the cracking pace the business demands five days a week.

I know what the business is worth, and it must sell to someone with a minimum 10 years’ experience.

My question is, would I be better to run for sale ads myself so I can target the “right person” or should I seek the help of a business selling company?

Where do I start to get the ball rolling in Melbourne?

Regards,
Mr Auto

Dear Mr Auto,

So you are a specialist in the auto industry and you are a specialist in selling businesses? Oh, and you have the time to manage the sales process? Thought so.

Of course, you need help selling your business. And don’t just approach one company or broker to help. Approach several and see who is going to give you the best deal, who sells businesses in your industry and who has the best networks? Ask contacts in your industry for names. And if you can, talk to someone who has sold their business about the process.

Read everything that Tom McKaskill has ever written about selling your business on SmartCompany. The last thing you want to do is approach this as a job in the paper exercise. You are not recruiting for a job. You are selling your life’s work and that has a huge value and takes enormous skill to get the best price.

Be smart,
Your Aunty B

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