Category: Sell Your Company

Review of the EMN Meeting

Posted on by batman

What Really Went Down at the EMN Meeting: A Raw, Honest Review

Not Your Average EMN Meeting

You ever walk into a room and instantly feel like you’re about to either learn something life-changing… or get pitched the next Fyre Festival?

That was me walking into the EMN Meeting (here’s where you can find them on Tik Tok) this year.

I’d heard rumblings about it from a few folks in my circle — some calling it “the real-deal gathering for serious investors,” others whispering it was more smoke than fire. So I showed up, not with stars in my eyes, but definitely curious (and yeah, a little skeptical).

Spoiler: it wasn’t perfect, but it was something. And if you’re thinking about showing up next year, let me give you the no-spin version of what actually happened.

The Vibe: Somewhere Between Harvard Club and Basement MMA Gym

Okay, so picture this: you walk into the venue, and there’s this weird mix of tailored suits and Patagonia vests. Half the crowd looked like they just stepped off a CNBC set, the other half like they crushed a kettlebell workout and decided to talk macro afterward.

It was kind of beautiful.

You could tell immediately that this wasn’t your average rubber-chicken dinner conference. People were dialed in. Conversations weren’t surface-level small talk — we’re talking deep dives on debt cycles, energy infrastructure plays, the ethics of AI in investing. Some of it went over my head (I’m not ashamed — I zoned out halfway through a 20-minute tangent on uranium futures), but a lot of it was refreshingly raw.

And people weren’t just talking to hear themselves talk. You know how some finance events feel like an ego contest wrapped in buzzwords? This wasn’t that. I overheard one guy admit he was down 35% on a speculative play and ask for genuine feedback on what he missed. That kind of humility? Rare. And honestly, kind of badass.

The Speakers at the EMN Meetings: Heavy Hitters, No Hype

I’ve been to events where speakers basically just pitch their fund or their newsletter, throw out a few dramatic charts, and mic-drop. Thankfully, EMN Meetings don’t fall into that trap.

There was a solid lineup of thinkers who weren’t trying to sell you anything — just dropping knowledge like they were talking to old friends over a steak dinner.

One guy — we’ll call him the “Dealmaker in Denim” — broke down the psychology of distressed asset buying during economic downturns. His style was so casual, it almost felt like he was winging it, but every line hit. You could see notebooks flying open like people were studying for a test.

Another speaker laid out the emotional rollercoaster of selling his company during peak market mania. He didn’t sugarcoat it — talked about the guilt, the paranoia, even a weird phase where he got obsessed with gardening (we’ve all been there… right?).

It was the kind of storytelling that sticks with you because it was real. Not packaged. Not rehearsed.

The Crowd: Surprisingly Human (and Weirdly Generous)

You’d expect a bunch of finance nerds trying to one-up each other. What I got instead? A bunch of curious, humble, slightly eccentric humans.

During one of the coffee breaks (read: oxygen-and-espresso pit stop), I got into a chat with a guy wearing hiking boots and talking about a lithium play in Bolivia. I asked one mildly dumb question and instead of brushing me off, he launched into a 10-minute explanation that made it all click. Then he asked me about my portfolio, like my opinion mattered. That’s rare.

Another guy passed around a hand-drawn flowchart of how he thinks currency devaluation cycles actually play out — and it wasn’t even part of the presentation. Just something he whipped up at 2 a.m. in his hotel room because, and I quote, “I couldn’t sleep thinking about Zimbabwe’s central bank policies.”

You can’t make this stuff up.

The Downsides: Not All Rosy

Alright, it wasn’t all golden.

There were a couple of panels that dragged — one in particular felt like it was sponsored by Ambien. And the Wi-Fi? Let’s just say I hope nobody was trying to day trade during the sessions, because even the dial-up of 1997 would’ve been faster.

Also, if you’re not someone who thrives on intellectual chaos, some parts of the meeting might feel like a firehose to the face. There’s a LOT going on, and the schedule was tighter than a 90s sitcom episode. No fluff. No filler. Which I personally loved — but it’s not for everyone.

My Takeaway: Worth It, But Know Why You’re Going

Look, if you’re hoping for a clean PowerPoint-and-cocktails kind of event, EMN isn’t your scene. It’s gritty. It’s intense. It’s like drinking black coffee while reading a bearish market thesis at 3 a.m. — stimulating, but a bit jarring.

But if you’re the kind of person who gets more excited by nuance than noise… if you’d rather hear a 62-year-old private equity guy admit he was wrong about crypto than watch another Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/emn_meeting/,  of someone flashing their options gains… then yeah. This is your tribe.

You’ll walk away with a few new ideas, maybe a new friend, and — if you’re lucky — a conversation that’ll keep you up thinking for a few nights.

Final Thoughts: Will I Go Again?

Absolutely.

But next time, I’m bringing two things I didn’t have this time:

  1. A notebook I don’t mind scribbling all over.

  2. A better pair of shoes. (Walking 12,000 steps in loafers was not the play.)

If you ever get the chance to go to an EMN Meeting, go in with an open mind, a curious spirit, and maybe a little caffeine. You’ll leave smarter — and probably a little weirder, in the best way possible.

✌️ See you at the next one.

Posted in Sell Your Company

How to Prepare Your Business for Sale

Posted on by batman

You know that feeling when you’re about to step onto the court before the biggest game of your life? 🏀 The lights are blinding, the crowd’s buzzing, your palms are sweaty (because, yes, even legends sweat). That’s exactly what it feels like when you’re getting ready to sell your business.

I’ve been there. Trust me—it’s a mix of excitement, fear, pride, and about a million “what-ifs” bouncing around in your head like rogue basketballs.

But here’s the deal: preparation isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the whole game. It’s how you win. And if you do it right, you’re not just selling a business—you’re setting yourself up for the next championship run in your life.

Let’s break it down, real talk style.

Know Why You’re Selling A Business

When I sold my first startup with the help of a broker I found on True Business Builders (way back when my haircut still looked like a bowl stuck on my head), everyone kept asking: “Why are you selling?”

At first, I gave the usual canned answers. “Time for new opportunities,” “Want to focus on other passions,” blah blah blah. 😅

But internally I knew: I had maxed out what I could personally bring to the table. The business deserved fresh energy.

👉 Takeaway:
Buyers will definitely ask why you’re selling. Be honest—but strategic. If it’s burnout, reposition it as “wanting to pass the torch to someone who can take it to the next level.” If it’s market timing, frame it as “capturing value at the peak to ensure the business’s strong future.” Spin it like a pro.

Get Your Financial House in Order

Imagine showing up to Game 7 of the Finals in sandals and board shorts. That’s what it’s like trying to sell a business with messy books.

One of my biggest rookie mistakes? Thinking I could just “explain away” a few weird accounting line items. NOPE. ❌

Buyers are sharks in suits. They smell financial chaos from a mile away. And the second they do? Lowball City.

Here’s what you need cleaned up before you even think about listing:

  • Full profit and loss (P&L) statements for at least 3 years

  • Balance sheets, cash flow statements, tax returns

  • Normalizing your financials (removing one-time expenses or owner perks like that “business trip” to Aruba)

✅ Pro Tip: Hire a CPA who has experience with business sales. It’s worth every penny. You wouldn’t play in the NBA without a coach, right?

Document, Document, Document: Systems Matter

When MJ left the Bulls, the team didn’t fall apart overnight. (Okay, maybe a little. 😬) Why? SYSTEMS.

Great businesses aren’t just a bunch of all-stars running around making magic. They’re machines built on repeatable processes.

Before you sell, start documenting everything like your life depends on it:

  • Sales processes

  • Marketing strategies

  • Employee roles and responsibilities

  • Vendor relationships

  • Customer onboarding workflows

It’s not just for the buyer. It’s for your own sanity.

🎯 The goal: Make the business so turnkey that the buyer thinks, “Dang, I could run this thing from a beach in Maui if I wanted to.”

Boost Your Business Curb Appeal

When you’re selling your house, you plant some flowers, slap a fresh coat of paint on the door, and maybe bake some cookies before the open house (because who can resist cookies?).

Same deal with your business.

Little improvements = Big perceived value.

Here’s what I did before selling my last company:

  • Updated the website (turns out buyers judge you just as hard as customers do)

  • Streamlined operations (fewer expenses = higher margins = higher sale price)

  • Polished the branding (new logos, updated messaging—tighten it all up)

Buyers aren’t just buying your cash flow. They’re buying the dream. So make it look irresistible.

Get Your Team (and Yourself) Mentally Ready

Real talk: Selling your business is emotional. You’ll feel like you’re breaking up with someone you built a life with. 💔

And your employees? They’ll be confused, scared, and maybe even a little hurt.

Be human about it.

Tips for prepping your team:

  • Be as transparent as you can (without blowing the deal)

  • Reassure them that their jobs are secure (if they are)

  • Encourage loyalty to the business, not just to you personally

You want your buyer to inherit a functioning, motivated team. Not a ghost town full of resentful ex-employees.

Know Your Business’s Real Value

Listen, I love confidence. I built my career on a healthy dose of it.

But when it comes to selling, delusion kills deals.

I once thought a business I built was worth $10 million. (It wasn’t. It was closer to $5M. Painful, but true.)

Get a professional valuation from someone who isn’t your mom, your neighbor, or your Instagram followers.

Things that affect your value:

  • Earnings (especially EBITDA—earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization)

  • Growth potential

  • Industry trends

  • Customer concentration (no buyer wants you making 80% of your revenue from one client)

📈 Solid numbers = Solid offers. No guesswork.

Build a Killer Transition Plan

No one wants to buy a business where the owner leaves on Day 1, leaving behind… well, chaos.

Have a transition plan ready:

  • Will you stay on as a consultant for 3, 6, or 12 months?

  • Are you willing to train the new owner?

  • Will you help introduce key customers and vendors?

Showing that you’re committed to a smooth handoff will make you way more attractive as a seller.

It’s like mentoring the new draft pick who’s gonna take your place. You want them to succeed. (Because secretly, it reflects how awesome YOU were.)

Final Thoughts: It’s Your Legacy, Treat It That Way

Look, selling your business isn’t just a transaction. It’s a legacy move.

You’re handing over something you built, fought for, lost sleep over, and probably sacrificed more than a few weekends (and birthdays and vacations) to grow.

So treat the process with the respect it deserves. 🏆

Prepare like you’re getting ready for the NBA Finals. Every document, every system, every dollar cleaned up and shining like a championship ring.

Because when that wire transfer hits your account, and you walk out of your (former) office for the last time?

You’ll want to feel like you won — not like you just handed over your life’s work to the first person who flashed a check.

Game on. 🔥

Key Takeaways for Preparing Your Business for Sale

  • Be clear on why you’re selling and have a smart answer ready.

  • Get your financials organized — clean books = confident buyers.

  • Document your operations so the business can run without you.

  • Spruce up your brand and systems to boost perceived value.

  • Support your team emotionally throughout the sale.

  • Get a realistic valuation from a professional.

  • Create a transition plan buyers can trust.

Ready to sell your business like a pro?
Get in, prepare like a champion, and make your next move the best one yet. 🏀🚀

Posted in Sell Your Company

Different Ways to Sell a Business

Posted on by batman

business meeting

Parting ways with your business is no small move—it’s a significant milestone that calls for careful planning and a smart strategy. Whether you’re looking to retire, pursue new opportunities, or simply cash in on the success you’ve built, knowing your options is key.

The method you choose to sell your business can greatly impact your outcome, and the best path forward will depend on factors like your company’s structure, financial position, and future plans.

In this guide, we break down the most popular methods for selling a business and highlight what you should keep in mind to make the right decision for your exit.

1. Selling to a Competitor

Selling your business to a competitor can be a strategic move, especially if your business complements theirs or helps them expand into new markets. Competitors are often willing to pay a premium because acquiring your company offers them immediate growth, eliminates competition, or provides valuable assets.

Key Considerations:

  • Due Diligence: Be cautious when sharing sensitive information. Use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to protect your business secrets.
  • Negotiation: Competitors may try to undervalue your business. Be prepared with a solid valuation and clear financials.
  • Cultural Fit: Ensure the transition aligns with your values, particularly if employees or customers will continue under the new ownership.

2. Selling to a Family Member or Employee

Selling your business to a family member or a trusted employee offers a smooth transition, especially if they are already familiar with operations. This method ensures continuity and can be a great way to preserve your legacy.

Key Considerations:

  • Training and Mentorship: Even if the buyer knows the business, provide adequate guidance to ensure a seamless transition.
  • Financing: If the buyer lacks upfront capital, you may need to explore seller financing options.
  • Emotional Dynamics: Selling to family members can introduce emotional challenges. Ensure expectations and roles are clearly defined.

3. Private Sale to an Individual Buyer

A private sale involves selling your business directly to an interested individual. This is common for smaller businesses where buyers may seek opportunities to become entrepreneurs.

Key Considerations:

  • Valuation: Accurate valuation is essential to attract serious buyers and negotiate a fair price.
  • Marketing: Finding the right buyer may take time, so it’s essential to promote your business effectively.
  • Buyer Qualification: Screen potential buyers carefully to ensure they have the financial capability to complete the purchase.

4. Selling through a Business Broker

A business broker acts as an intermediary, helping you find buyers, negotiate deals, and navigate the complexities of the sale process. Brokers are particularly helpful if you don’t have the time or expertise to handle the sale yourself. A broker can sell your small business for you.

Key Considerations:

  • Fees: Brokers typically charge a commission, often a percentage of the sale price. Ensure the cost aligns with the value they bring.
  • Experience: Choose a business broker with experience in your industry to ensure they understand your business’s nuances.
  • Time Savings: A broker handles the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on running the business during the sale process.

5. Merging with Another Company

Merging with another business involves combining two companies into one entity. This option works well if the merger offers strategic benefits to both businesses, such as expanded markets, enhanced capabilities, or cost savings.

Key Considerations:

  • Shared Vision: A merger requires a shared strategic vision to ensure smooth integration.
  • Complexity: Mergers can be complicated, requiring legal, financial, and operational alignment.
  • Valuation and Structure: The value of your business must be accurately assessed to determine your ownership stake in the new entity.

6. Selling to a Private Equity Group or Investment Firm

Private equity (PE) firms or investment groups often acquire businesses to grow and sell them at a profit later. Selling to a PE firm can provide immediate liquidity and access to resources for future growth.

Key Considerations:

  • Business Size: PE firms usually seek established businesses with strong cash flow and growth potential.
  • Ongoing Involvement: You may need to stay involved in the business post-sale, depending on the deal structure.
  • Growth Strategy: PE firms aim to grow the business, so they may make significant changes to operations.

7. Using an Online Marketplace

Online platforms such as BizBuySell, Flippa, or Empire Flippers allow business owners to list their businesses for sale. These marketplaces connect sellers with a broad audience of potential buyers and can help you sell a business online.

Key Considerations:

  • Visibility: Online platforms offer access to buyers worldwide, increasing your chances of finding the right match.
  • DIY Approach: You’ll need to manage listings, inquiries, and negotiations, which can be time-consuming.
  • Fees: Some platforms charge listing fees or take a commission on successful sales.

8. Selling through Seller Financing

Seller financing allows buyers to pay for the business over time, with you acting as the lender. This option can attract more buyers, particularly those with limited access to traditional financing.

Key Considerations:

  • Risk: There’s a risk the buyer might default on payments, so assess their financial stability carefully.
  • Interest Income: You can earn interest on the financed amount, potentially increasing the total payout.
  • Legal Documentation: Work with a lawyer to create a secure financing agreement.

9. Selling to Employees through an ESOP

An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) allows employees to buy shares of the business over time. This option can foster loyalty, improve morale, and preserve the company culture.

Key Considerations:

  • Setup Costs: Establishing an ESOP can be complex and expensive.
  • Employee Engagement: Employees need to be motivated to take on the responsibility of ownership.
  • Ongoing Involvement: You may need to stay involved during the transition to support the employees.

10. Liquidating the Business

If you are unable to find a buyer, liquidation may be your last option. This involves selling off assets and closing the business. While liquidation may not yield the highest return, it allows you to exit quickly.

Key Considerations:

  • Asset Valuation: Hire a professional appraiser to ensure you get fair market value for your assets.
  • Debts and Obligations: Use the proceeds to settle any outstanding debts and obligations.
  • Emotional Impact: Closing a business can be emotionally challenging, especially if it was a personal venture.

Key Takeaways

  • Selling to a Competitor offers strategic advantages but requires careful negotiation and protection of confidential information.
  • Selling to Family Members or Employees ensures continuity but requires clear communication to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Private Sales offer flexibility but may take time to find the right buyer.
  • Business Brokers provide professional support but charge fees for their services.
  • Mergers create opportunities for growth but require alignment on vision and strategy.
  • Private Equity Firms offer immediate liquidity but may involve changes in business operations.
  • Online Marketplaces provide access to a global audience but require a hands-on approach.
  • Seller Financing attracts buyers but carries financial risks.
  • ESOPs preserve company culture but require significant planning and employee involvement.
  • Liquidation is a quick exit option but may result in a lower return on investment.

Choosing the right way to sell your business is more of a science than an art and it depends on your goals, timeline, and the market environment. Whether you want to exit quickly, maximize profits, or maintain the business’s legacy, each method has its advantages. Take the time to evaluate your options and seek professional advice to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Ready for a Successful Exit? Explore your options carefully and make the decision that aligns best with your future goals.

Posted in Sell Your Company