A lot of buyers get caught up in the idea of ‘owning a business’ without thinking about whether it’s the right business for them. I help people break it down—what are you good at? What kind of lifestyle do you want? Do you want something hands-on or something that mostly runs itself? Buying a business isn’t just about the numbers—it has to fit your skills, your goals, and your life.

Financing is huge. Most buyers aren’t walking around with a suitcase full of cash. Sellers need to be ready to deal with bank loans, SBA loans, or even seller financing, where they carry part of the deal. For buyers, getting pre-qualified before you start shopping is key. You don’t want to fall in love with a business and then find out you can’t afford it.

Number one: Get your financials in order—clean books make deals happen. Number two: Build a team that can run the business without you. Buyers don’t want to step into chaos. Number three: Show growth potential. Buyers don’t just want a steady business, they want one they can grow. If you can prove that, you’ll get better offers.

Number one: Get your financials in order—clean books make deals happen. Number two: Build a team that can run the business without you. Buyers don’t want to step into chaos. Number three: Show growth potential. Buyers don’t just want a steady business, they want one they can grow. If you can prove that, you’ll get better offers.

There was a deal where the seller had built a great business but had zero documentation—no financial records, no contracts, nothing. We had buyers interested, but they needed proof that the numbers were real. So we had to rebuild years of records, verify everything, and prove the business was solid. It took way longer than expected, but in the end, we got the deal done because we were transparent and willing to put in the work.

Start thinking like a buyer. Look at your business objectively—if you were buying it today, what would scare you off? Clean up your financials, get clear processes in place, and reduce how much the business depends on you. The more you can step back, the more valuable your business becomes. And honestly? Talk to a broker early. Even if you’re not ready to sell yet, knowing what buyers look for can help you maximize your value when the time comes.