Selling your business is a major financial and personal decision.

Whether you’re looking to retire, move on to a new venture, or capitalise on years of hard work, the process requires careful planning.

But how do you know if you’re truly ready to sell? You need to do more than just decide. You must prepare your financials, operations, intellectual property, and team. Also, make sure the sale fits your personal and financial goals.

Let’s break down the key areas to assess before putting your business on the market.

1. Are your finances in order?

Buyers want a business with strong, transparent financials. If you have disorganised, unclear, or inconsistent financial records, you could delay or even derail a sale.

• Up-to-Date Financial Statements – Ensure balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and tax returns are correct and up to date.

• Consistent Revenue & Profitability – Buyers look for stable or growing revenue trends. If your numbers fluctuate greatly, consider stabilising your finances before selling.

• Cash Flow Management – Good cash flow shows financial strength and lowers risks for buyers.

• Debt & Liabilities – Minimize outstanding debts or have a plan for addressing them before a sale.

Tip: Work with a financial expert to clean up your financials before listing your business. Buyers will scrutinise every detail, so transparency is key.

2. Have you had a proper business valuation?

Before you sell, understand your business’s real value. This means looking beyond your own thoughts and the broker's market estimate.

Why a valuation matters

• Sets realistic price expectations

• Helps attract serious buyers

• Strengthens negotiation power

What factors influence business value?

• Revenue & Profitability – Higher, stable earnings increase valuation.

• Industry Trends & Market Demand – A strong market boosts value.

• Business Model & Scalability – Recurring revenue models are more attractive.

• Operational Efficiency – A well-run business is more valuable.

• Tangible & Intangible Assets – Including intellectual property, brand reputation, and customer relationships.

Tip: Think about getting a professional business valuation. This helps make sure your price matches market expectations.

3. Are your operations running smoothly without you?

One of the biggest red flags for buyers is a business that depends too much on the owner.

• Can your business run efficiently without you involved in daily operations?

• Do you have documented processes and systems that make transitions easy?

• Are there any operational inefficiencies that could hurt a sale?

Tip: If your business depends heavily on you, start delegating responsibilities now. Buyers want a business that operates independently and smoothly.

4. Have you secured your intellectual property (IP) and other assets?

Your business's intellectual property (IP) and intangible assets boost sale value when properly protected.

• Trademarks & Branding – Have you registered your business name, logo, and branding assets?

• Patents or Proprietary Systems – Do you have unique technology, software, or processes? Are they legally protected?

• Contracts & Agreements – Check that all supplier, client, and employee contracts are sorted and transferable.

• Digital Assets – Websites, social media accounts, and customer databases should be properly documented.

Tip: Work with a legal expert to review and secure your IP before entering negotiations.

5. Do you have the right team in place?

A strong, capable team increases your business’s value and attractiveness to buyers. Buyers want to see that key employees will stay after the sale.

• Is your leadership team strong enough to maintain operations after you leave?

• Do you have employment contracts in place for key team members?

• Are employees cross-trained to ensure operational continuity?

Tip: If your business relies too much on you, start strengthening your team now. Buyers will feel more confident investing in a well-structured business with a capable team.

6. Have you considered your future personal & financial goals?

Selling your business isn’t just about what’s next for the business—it’s about what’s next for you.

• Are you financially prepared for life after selling your business?

• What do you want to do next? Retirement? Start another business? Invest?

• Do you need to structure the sale for tax efficiency?

Tip: Work with a financial adviser to map out your post-sale financial plan before finalising a deal.

Are you ready to sell?

Selling your business isn’t just a transaction—it’s a major life event. Before you list, make sure you:

• Have clean, organised financials

• Know your business’s true market value

• Have systems in place to run without you

• Protected your intellectual property and key assets

• Have a strong team to support business continuity

• Have a personal financial plan for after the sale

  
  

Why choose RJD Advisory?

At RJD Advisory, we help business owners prepare for a successful sale, ensuring you maximise value and get the best possible deal.

• Expert Business Valuation – Get an accurate, market-driven valuation.

• Financial & Operational Readiness – Ensure your business is attractive to buyers.

• Exit Strategy Planning – Structure your sale for tax efficiency and long-term financial success.

• Smooth Transition Support – Make the sale seamless for both you and the buyer.

We don’t just help you sell—we help you exit on your terms, with confidence.

Book a consultation today to start preparing your business for sale.