Most owners never ask themselves this question, at least not honestly.
They’ll talk about revenue, growth, loyal customers, maybe even a few good years of profits. But when you strip all that down, you’ve got to ask: Would I, as a buyer, actually buy this business?
See, buyers don’t just buy cash flow. They buy systems, predictability, and independence. If your business can’t run without you, that’s not a business. That’s a job, a job you happen to own.
I’ve sat across from countless sellers who proudly tell me they’re “hands-on.” That’s great, until we start talking valuation. Then the room gets quiet.
The truth? The more the business depends on you, the less valuable it becomes.
Buyers want freedom. They don’t want to inherit your 80-hour workweeks.So ask yourself again, Would you buy your own business?
If the answer’s no, that’s okay. It means you’ve got work to do, but it’s work that pays back tenfold when it’s time to exit.
I help business owners exit on their terms, not by chance. As the founder of Transworld Business Advisors of Alaska and Greater Seattle, I guide entrepreneurs through confidential business sales, mergers, and franchise growth.
I’ve built, bought, and sold companies myself, so I know the grind, the risk, and the reward. For over 30 years, I’ve helped owners uncover what their business is truly worth, and what comes next.
Every business has a story. Mine is to make sure yours ends well, with purpose, pride, and the freedom to choose what’s next.
