Questions About Selling Your Business
Selling a business raises questions most owners have never had to ask before. The answers depend on your numbers, your timeline, and what you want life to look like after the sale. Everything here is designed to give you a clear, honest starting point — completely confidential.
Common questions from owners
How do I know what my business is actually worth?
Value is driven by seller's discretionary earnings (SDE), owner dependence, recurring revenue, customer concentration, and market timing — not top-line revenue alone. A confidential value review looks at all of these together so you understand a realistic range before anything goes to market.
When is the right time to sell my business?
The right time is usually when the business is still growing, the financials are clean, and you are not yet burned out. Selling from a position of strength consistently produces better terms and buyer competition than selling when you are ready to walk away.
How do you keep the sale confidential?
Buyers are screened, sign NDAs, and provide proof of funds before receiving sensitive information. The business is marketed without identifying details, so employees, customers, vendors, and competitors do not know the business is for sale until the appropriate time.
How long does it take to sell a business?
Most well-prepared businesses sell in six to twelve months from listing to close. Preparation before listing — organizing financials, addressing owner dependence, and clarifying the story — has more impact on timing than any other factor.
Who typically buys businesses like mine?
Buyers include individual operators, strategic acquirers, family offices, and private equity or DSO groups depending on your industry, size, and financial profile. The right buyer type is matched to your goals — outright exit, partial sale, or gradual transition.
What does it cost to work with a broker?
Brokerage fees are typically a success-based commission paid at closing, meaning nothing is owed unless the business sells. The initial confidential conversation and value review are always free.
Start a confidential conversation
Every conversation with Jocelyn is private, with no pressure and no commitment. Reach out to explore what a sale could look like.