Sell your business with Alan Wick's expertise on Exit Strategy
When you're thinking about selling your business, enlisting the support of a business coach can have a significant impact on the price you sell it for.
I can help you to decide when is the right time to sell, and how to maximise your business's value when you do.
How Exit Strategy can help you
You don't know what you don't know, which is where I come in. I have negotaited the sale of my own businesses, and assisted with many others. Let's work together to get the best deal for you.
Preparation is key
I’ll take the time to go under the bonnet and get a full grasp of your business’s status and value.
Timing is everything
We’ll talk honestly and openly, discussing your motivation for selling and probing whether it is indeed the right time to do so.
Know your value
I’ll appraise your business with a fresh eye, and may find value you didn’t appreciate was there.
The Art of the Exit
Sit back and relax, as James West of Magus Wealth and I do a deep dive on everything you need to consider when you’re thinking of selling your business:
Paul Bibby, MD, Plantexpand
"I’d been running my business for 25 years and it was time to sell. Alan started by conducting a RealityCheck®, which was very valuable. Then we worked with him for two years to get the business ready. He not only identified a hidden asset in the business, but he helped us sell it for more than we ever imagined. He has helped us to understand the value of our business and its added value to our clients, as well as the financial value. I’m so grateful to him for what he’s done for us."
Trusted by
What to expect from Exit Strategy
You’ll only get one chance to sell your business. Working with me will maximise your opportunity of getting the best deal for you, not just financially but from a culture, values and lifestyle perspective too.
Support every step of the way
I’ve been there, done that. I know how unpredictable and time-pressured the sale process can be. I’ll be available and responsive, and there when you need me to be.
A holistic view
We’ll scrutinise the balance between values and return, your feelings about legacy and the emotional rollercoaster you can expect when you’re selling your ‘baby’ .
Navigating and negotiating
I’ll keep you on track through the inevitably complex process of the sale, and help you manage any curveballs along the way.
Robin Whittaker, Director, OutBoard Electronics
“How did we attract a buyer for our niche business run by two retirement-seeking Directors? We gave you a call a year ago, followed your advice and sold to our target company in 11 months. Every aspect of our business sale exceeded my expectations. It has a great new home, and we achieved an excellent value with a short earn out, completed within our timescale. This is all down to your M&A experience, process and coaching, and your motivation to make it happen for us.”
Learning
Benefits of Exit Strategy with Alan Wick
Working with me in this specialist area brings a wealth of benefits, that typically include:
A solid sense check
Before we start wrapping up your business with a bow, I’ll use my real-world experience to challenge whether this is the right time for you to sell, and how you really feel about it.
Maximising the value of your business
Are you aware of the true value of your business? Do you know how to present it most attractively to potential buyers? I do. I’ve done it before, many times, and I can do it for you.
The bigger picture
It’s not just about the money, it can be major lifestyle change and you may get the jitters before the deal is done. I’ll help you through the process and look beyond the sale to life on the other side.
Client Story: Owner-Managed Business Sale
Reaching their mid-60s was a call-to-action for the two Directors to retire while fit and healthy. A challenge as they were the sole employees, with a distributed team of independent contractors. They engaged me as their M&A advisor to guide them through the new-to-them business sale process. A target buyer was identified from a shortlist then I helped value both tangible and intangible assets, revealing a much higher figure than they thought achievable. Their real eye-opener was when I showed them how to construct an equity storyboard to convey the business value from a buyers’ perspective and how it would continue to operate successfully without them. With my ongoing support through presentations and
negotiations, the Directors achieved a sale value beyond their expectations.
FAQs
Why do I need a business coach to help me sell my business?
Selling your business isn’t a transaction like selling a product. Preparation before you ‘go to market’ is key and that’s where a good business coach comes in. They will evaluate your business thoroughly, identify its true value – probably unearthing more value than you realised was there – and present it as attractively as possible for sale. An effective business coach will also use their expertise to help identify potential buyers, and help you to approach them in the right way and negotiate the deal to maximise your price.
I’m thinking of selling my business. Where do I start?
We’ll talk through why you want to sell, and whether it’s the right time for you and for the business. I’ll get an understanding of the number you’re looking for, and whether that’s achievable. It’s also important to discuss your plans for after the sale.
How do I prepare my business for sale?
I like to use the house analogy. When you’re selling your house, you think about your target market, your ideal buyer. Then you make sure you’re maximising the value of your space – would converting your loft to make an extra bedroom be worthwhile? Have you given the house a lick of paint and spruced up the garden? This is the kind of mentality you need when you’re preparing your business for sale.
What are the differences between Coaching, Consulting and Mentoring?
Here's a diagram that illustrates the key differences:
