SRM Journals – International Business Broker's Association

How I Sold My Business Fast (and What I’d Do Differently Next Time)

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“I Need Out. Like, Yesterday.”

I remember the exact moment it hit me—I was sitting in my office, staring at a spreadsheet that looked more like abstract art than financial data, sipping lukewarm coffee, and thinking: “I can’t do this anymore.” The passion was gone, the grind felt heavier, and the idea of walking away? Honestly, it felt more like freedom than fear.

If you’ve ever owned a business, you know it becomes a part of your identity. Like a clingy relationship—equal parts love and burnout. But when the thought of checking your inbox gives you a mini panic attack… yeah, it’s time.

I didn’t need a five-year exit strategy. I needed a clean break. Fast. And if that’s you right now? Buckle up. I’m gonna tell you how I sold my business quicker than most people sell their used bikes—and I’ll spill the good, the bad, and the “what-the-heck-was-I-thinking.”

Step 1: I Got Real About My Reason

First things first—why was I selling?

This wasn’t a sob story. Business was fine, revenue was decent, staff was competent, but my heart wasn’t in it. And buyers? They sniff out desperation like dogs in a butcher shop. So I had to clean up my mindset and tell a better story.

Instead of “I’m cooked and hate emails,” my narrative became:

“I’m ready to explore new ventures and looking for the right buyer to carry the torch.”

Boom. Instant credibility. People love growth stories, not escape routes.

Step 2: I Cut the Fat

Imagine trying to sell a car with fast-food wrappers in the backseat and a Check Engine light on. Yeah, not ideal. Same goes for your business.

I did a ruthless audit:

  • Canceled wasteful subscriptions.

  • Trimmed unprofitable service lines.

  • Cleaned up the books (shoutout to my accountant who aged 3 years that week).

  • Updated contracts and vendor agreements.

Basically, I Marie Kondo’d my business. Anything that didn’t spark joy—or profit—got axed.

Step 3: I Ditched the DIY Mentality

At first, I thought I’d go FSBO (For Sale By Owner, not a new boy band). I mean, how hard could it be? Spoiler: It’s hard.

I ended up hiring a business broker, and honestly, it was the move that saved me from 17 stress ulcers. They brought me real buyers, not tire-kickers. They also made sure I didn’t undersell my baby because I was emotionally drained and just wanted out.

Yeah, I paid a commission. But it was like paying for a sherpa when you’re climbing Everest. Worth. Every. Penny.

Step 4: I Got Loud—But Smart Loud

This part? Kind of fun.

We created a short, no-fluff business summary—think Tinder profile, but for business buyers. It highlighted:

  • Revenue streams 💸

  • Loyal customers 📈

  • Low churn 📉

  • Growth potential 🚀

Then we pushed it out. Private listings, buyer networks, quiet conversations with industry folks. I didn’t blast it on Facebook or tape a “For Sale” sign on the front door. That’s how you attract randos, not real players.

Buyers want exclusivity. Make them feel like they’re getting early access to something big.

Step 5: I Negotiated Like a Human, Not a Robot

Here’s where I almost blew it.

The first buyer came in hot. Full asking price, quick close. I was ready to sprint to the finish line… but my broker hit pause.

“Ask questions, not just for price—but for fit.”

We found red flags: They wanted to gut the team and flip the business like a house. That wasn’t the legacy I wanted. So we passed.

Eventually, I found the right buyer. Someone who got the brand, respected the customers, and offered fair terms. We hashed out the deal over two Zoom calls, a few beers, and one very long Tuesday night.

What I’d Do Differently (AKA My “Oops” List)

Let’s keep it real—this wasn’t a fairy tale. I made mistakes. You will too. But here’s what I wish I’d done better:

  • Started prepping six months earlier. I crammed everything into one brutal month. Felt like finals week in college.

  • Tracked KPIs religiously. Buyers love data. I was too loose with it.

  • Got a valuation early. I pulled a number out of thin air at first. Not smart.

  • Emotionally detached sooner. Selling something you built? It’s personal. But if you get too clingy, you’ll sabotage deals.

Final Thoughts: Speed vs. Regret

Selling your business fast doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means making strategic decisions without dragging your feet. It’s a delicate dance between urgency and control.

Don’t wait for perfect timing—it doesn’t exist. Don’t wait until you’re completely burned out either, or you’ll sell for less than you should.

Look, I’m not some unicorn entrepreneur with a TED Talk. I’m just a guy who built something decent, hit a wall, and figured out how to exit without losing my shirt.

And if you’re sitting there right now, thinking, “Maybe it’s time,” — trust that gut.

Because the freedom on the other side?

Oh, it’s real. And it’s waiting. ✌️

Key Takeaways

  • Frame your reason to sell as opportunity, not escape.

  • Trim the fat—simplify operations and clean your books.

  • Use a broker if speed and serious buyers matter to you.

  • Create a strong but concise business summary.

  • Vet buyers carefully—it’s about fit, not just price.

  • Avoid last-minute scrambles by preparing early.

Ready for a successful exit? It starts with the decision to stop waiting. Go make it happen.

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