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Selling a business

10 moments for owners selling a business.

Name the moment, not the job title. Each one has a hook line to open a post or video with, its ringtone (the letter, bill or date people react to before they think) and what's at stake.

  1. Three to five years out

    “Thinking about selling in five years? The work that raises your price starts now.”
    Ringtone
    Turning 55 as an owner
    What's at stake
    Clean books, management depth and tax planning raise value.
  2. Getting a valuation

    “Do you know what your business would sell for today? Most owners guess high.”
    Ringtone
    The first valuation report
    What's at stake
    Valuation sets realistic retirement expectations.
  3. An unsolicited offer

    “A private equity firm called. Before you answer, know your number.”
    Ringtone
    The cold email from a buyer
    What's at stake
    Readiness and negotiating position.
  4. The letter of intent

    “You signed an LOI. The terms that matter most are in the fine print.”
    Ringtone
    The LOI
    What's at stake
    Structure, earnouts, escrow and working capital terms.
  5. Asset sale or stock sale

    “Asset sale or stock sale? The difference can change your taxes by a lot.”
    Ringtone
    The deal structure memo
    What's at stake
    Tax treatment varies by structure.
  6. Rollover equity

    “The buyer wants you to roll 20% into the new company. That's a second bet on the business.”
    Ringtone
    The rollover terms
    What's at stake
    Concentration and a second liquidity event.
  7. Earnout terms

    “Part of your price depends on hitting targets after the sale. Plan as if you won't get it.”
    Ringtone
    The earnout schedule
    What's at stake
    Contingent payments are uncertain.
  8. Pre-sale estate planning

    “Gifting shares before the sale can move the growth out of your estate. After the LOI, it's harder.”
    Ringtone
    Talking to an estate attorney
    What's at stake
    Pre-transaction planning windows close.
  9. Selling to employees or family

    “Selling to your employees through an ESOP or to family? The price and the taxes work differently.”
    Ringtone
    A management buyout offer
    What's at stake
    ESOPs, installment sales and family transfers.
  10. Life after the sale

    “The sale closed. Now what do you do on Monday?”
    Ringtone
    The first week without the business
    What's at stake
    Identity, purpose and investing the proceeds.

Make a video about one See advisors for owners selling a business

General education, not financial advice. Check rules and figures against current law before you publish.