5 Techniques To Connect Your Business With Quality Buyers
When it comes to selling your business, there are many important factors to consider. For example, you may be concerned about getting maximum value from the sale or finding a buyer who aligns with your mission and values.
Regardless of your big-picture goals, connecting with high-quality buyers is the first step toward completing a successful sale. Here are five techniques you can use to find buyers that align with your goals and objectives.
1. Understand What Buyers Want From an Acquisition
While you may have unique selling points for your business, consider testing the market to see what your ideal buyer is looking for. Do they want to increase market share or scale up operations? Are they seeking a new brand identity or access to a patent-protected product?
Identifying your target buyer’s goals is critical to connecting with prospects. Furthermore, you’ll gain new perspectives about the market so that you can adjust your goals to fit current expectations.
2. Make Your Business Acquisition-Ready
After getting an idea of what your ideal buyer is looking for, start making the necessary adjustments to get your business ready for sale.
Preparing your business for acquisition extends beyond cleaning up financial statements. You should also consider the questions a potential buyer would ask, such as your revenue sources, customers, market share, and suppliers. Buyers will also want to know your growth strategy and how both you and the buyer will benefit from the transaction.
As you think about selling, prepare detailed information about your business’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas of opportunity. Present these insights as growth potential for the new buyer.
3. Have a Networking Strategy
Networking is still an effective way to connect with high-quality buyers. Therefore, plan to attend conferences, join professional organizations, and leverage your personal or business networks. Since it takes time to know if a buyer has the right intentions, networking can increase your visibility and give you access to the marketplace.
You should also approach the networking process with humility and a willingness to learn. If this is your first time selling, especially to more experienced buyers, you’re likely to gain knowledge on the legal process behind acquisitions. You may even get recommendations for a broker.
4. Develop the Perfect Buyer Persona
After taking steps to connect with potential buyers, you’ll need a ranking strategy to narrow down on prospects. For example, what qualities make someone the ideal buyer for your business? Are some qualities more important to you than others?
The intention is to create an objective ranking system that fits your personal goals and vision for the company. However, you should also be flexible in your evaluation process because an idealistic approach can cause you to turn away high-value prospects.
5. Think About Your Exit Strategy
High-quality buyers will likely ask what your goals are after selling the business. Therefore, reflect on your exit strategy and how to clearly communicate your objectives with buyers.
If you wish to remain involved in the company, specify your intended role and how it fits the buyer’s goals. Be open to feedback on your involvement and think about what’s in the company’s best interests.
When you decide to sell your business, you’ll realize that not all buyers are equal. It’s important to find the right buyer who aligns with your values and has clear intentions for your company. A broker can do lots of the heavy lifting when connecting you with high-quality buyers.
At Sun Mergers & Acquisitions, our brokers have an in-depth knowledge of the market and a clear understanding of what buyers and sellers are looking for. Contact us to get started with the selling process today.