We’re seeing a growing number of owner-operated businesses come to market lately.
And while they can sell, finding the right buyer is often like finding a needle in a haystack.
Here’s why: When a business depends entirely on its owner, a buyer isn’t really buying a business — they’re buying a job.
And if there’s no growth plan or strategy for the future, that job has to pay really well. The return must beat the stock market, which has performed quite well in recent years.
So, if you’re an owner-operator and want to make your business more attractive to buyers, here are three things you can do right now:
- Hire your replacement. Yes, your profits will dip temporarily — but your buyer pool grows exponentially. Buyers pay for freedom, not another full-time job.
- Create a growth strategy — and start executing. Even small, documented steps toward expansion or systemization add value and confidence for a buyer.
- Maximize your profits. Stop running personal expenses through the business. Clean financials make your bottom line look irresistible — and buyers notice.
The goal? Make a buyer look at your business and think:
“I could step in and grow this.”
“This business works without the owner.”
Those are the ones that sell — and sell well.
If you’d like to talk through ways to make your business more marketable before you’re ready to sell, I’m happy to chat.
#BusinessBroker #BusinessValue #ExitPlanning #IowaBusiness #CLEANFramework #MurphyBusiness
