As a business owner you might dream to sell your business, but most owners wait too long to take action. By the time they decide to sell, they are burned out, exhausted, and no longer operating at their peak. That is when business owners accept lower offers than their business is worth, agree to long earn-out periods, or struggle to find a buyer at all.
Yasmin Vantuykom refused to follow that path. As the founder of Efluenz, a multi-million-euro influencer marketing agency with 25 employees across two countries, she had built a thriving business. But over time, she realized she no longer wanted to be in the industry. Instead of running on autopilot until she had no energy left, she took a different approach. She planned her exit while she was still on top.
The result? A profitable sale, a smooth transition, and a new chapter on her own terms. No stress. No regret. Just a well-executed plan that secured her financial freedom.
Business Owners Make 2 Mistakes When Selling
Yasmin had seen it before. Entrepreneurs build a successful business, grow tired of running it, and then realize—often too late—that they want out. By then, their business is not as strong as it once was, making it harder to sell for a great price. Buyers see declining numbers and negotiate aggressively.
The second mistake is signing a deal without fully understanding the implications. A buyer might offer an appealing number, but if the deal structure includes an earn-out that lasts for years, the owner is essentially stuck working for the company they just sold. Many business owners assume they will be free after the sale, only to find themselves tied up in legal obligations, performance-based payments, and post-sale commitments they did not anticipate.
Yasmin was determined to avoid both pitfalls. She wanted to sell before she was exhausted and secure a deal that allowed her to step away without complications.
5 Steps To Sell Your Business Without Regret
Instead of waking up one day and deciding to sell, Yasmin followed a strategic process to make sure her exit was smooth, lucrative, and free of last-minute surprises. She focused on five key steps that any business owner can use to prepare for a sale.
Step 1: Selling at the Right Time Instead of Waiting Too Long
Timing is everything when selling a business. The best time to sell is when the company is still growing, not when revenues are starting to decline. Buyers want businesses that show strong financials, predictable cash flow, and scalability.
So take a proactive approach. Start preparing for a sale years before you are ready to exit, ensuring you have time to optimize your business and attract strong buyers. Monitor key financial trends and industry shifts to find the perfect window for your exit.
Many business owners make the mistake of selling after they feel done with their company. By then, their energy is low, revenue may be dipping, and their bargaining power weakens. Know that selling while your business is thriving will give you the strongest position in negotiations.
Step 2: Structuring a Strong Valuation and Deal Terms
Many entrepreneurs are caught off guard when buyers present offers that are lower than expected. Without a clear valuation model, it is easy to accept less than what a business is truly worth.
Make sure you work with experts to ensure that your valuation is built on solid financial principles. Structure your price based on EBITDA and future growth potential, making it harder for buyers to undervalue your company. More importantly, negotiate favorable deal terms, ensuring you are not locked into a long earn-out period or restrictive post-sale agreements.
A good valuation is about more than just revenue. Buyers look at how independent the business is from its owner, how scalable it is, and how smoothly it can transition to new leadership. Make sure your business meets these criteria before even entering negotiations.
Extra Resource: Find out how much your business is worth here.
Step 3: Making the Business Less Dependent on You
A common reason deals fall apart is that the business relies too much on the owner. If the founder is the driving force behind sales, operations, and client relationships, buyers see risk. They worry that once the owner leaves, the business will struggle.
Solve this problem early, by delegating key responsibilities well in advance. Bring in a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to handle day-to-day management and document essential processes so that the business can function without you.
By the time you start meeting with buyers, your business will already run independently of you. This makes it more attractive to buyers and increases its overall value.
Step 4: Finding the Right Buyer and Negotiating from Strength
Not all buyers are created equal. Some will offer the highest price but come with restrictive terms. Others will align better with the company’s vision but may negotiate harder on valuation. Carefully select potential buyers who can continue your company’s growth instead of just looking for the highest bidder.
Also negotiate from a position of strength. When you are prepared well, you will not be in a rush to close a deal. More likely, you will have multiple interested buyers and you can walk away if the terms do not meet your needs.
Too many business owners negotiate from a place of desperation. They feel pressured to sell quickly, and that weakens their position. Control the process by preparing in advance, ensuring you have options.
Step 5: Transitioning Smoothly and Moving On to What’s Next
Selling a business is not just about the numbers. Many entrepreneurs struggle with what comes after. Some regret selling because they feel lost without their business. Others feel trapped by long earn-outs that keep them involved for years.
Make sure to avoid both scenarios. Structure your deal so that you can transition out within months, not years. Remain in an advisory role for a short period to ensure continuity but avoid obligations beyond that.
How To Sell Your Business Without Regret
Selling a business does not have to be overwhelming. With the right planning, entrepreneurs can sell at peak value, negotiate stronger deals, and exit without regrets.
For business owners who want to understand where they stand, here’s an Exit-Readiness Quiz that helps evaluate whether a business is in a strong position to sell.
The difference between a successful exit and a stressful one is preparation. Entrepreneurs who start early put themselves in control of the process. Those who wait too long find themselves scrambling for a way out. To sell your business should be a milestone, not a mistake. The right strategy ensures it is both profitable and stress-free.
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