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When is the Right Time to Sell Your Business
By Dave Godwin, CBI
There’s a window in every business where the owner’s energy, the team’s momentum, and the market’s interest all line up just right. That’s the peak. And that’s when the smart money exits.
Too many business owners miss that window.
They hang on too long, hoping things will stay steady or bounce back. But slowly, burnout creeps in. Performance plateaus. Enthusiasm fades. And next thing you know, they’re not exiting at the peak — they’re coasting to the bottom.
And friend, that ride down can get expensive.
The Danger of Waiting Too Long
When you’re tired, your business starts to show it. Sales stall. Systems slip. Team morale dips. And the fire that once lit up the place turns to embers.
Buyers can spot that from a mile away.
If a business looks like it’s been riding on autopilot, the offers reflect that. Lower valuations. Longer due diligence. More contingencies. They don’t see potential — they see problems.
Buyers Want a Growth Story, Not a Recovery Plan
Think about it like this: Would you pay top dollar for a boat that’s drifting with no one at the helm? Or would you rather buy one that’s full speed ahead with a solid crew and clear direction?
Buyers want momentum. They’re looking for a story that says, “This thing is still moving — and I can take it even further.”
If you wait until you’re disengaged and worn down, you’re not selling the business — you’re offloading the burden. And buyers know the difference.
Burnout Steals Your Best Exit
When you’re burnt out, you start thinking short-term. You say “yes” to low offers just to be done. You skip prep work because you don’t have the energy. You stop leading your team with purpose.
That’s not a great place to negotiate from.
Selling should be a strategic move — not an escape hatch. The exit you deserve requires clarity, planning, and just enough gas in the tank to make the transition smooth.
Here’s the Better Path
The ideal exit happens when:
The business is healthy
The systems are strong
The team is stable
And you’re still engaged enough to drive the final lap well
That’s how you exit at the peak.
The earlier you start thinking about your exit, the more options you’ll have. Whether it’s 1 year or 5 years out, the right time tostartplanning is always sooner than you think.
Final Thought
You don’t want to be the one saying, “I should’ve sold three years ago.”
Exiting at the peak takes forethought. Coasting to the bottom is easy — but it’ll cost you more than just money.
Let’s talk about how to time it right — while you’re still in the driver’s seat.