Sell Business-Why Build Client Base Before You Sell Business?

There are only two types of sale you can consider to sell business; asset and share sale. The two have their pros and cons. However, regardless of the option you choose, it is very important that you start by increasing the actual value of your business. The quickest way of doing this is to build a client base. Though this is not easy, there are a few key factors that will help build a client base much faster before you put your business on the market.

Trust
The key factor in building a client base is trust. Just like you can’t buy something from a distributor that has had a poor reputation, buyers will not want to do business with you unless they trust you. You should work on building trust. Only make promises you can deliver, give free helpful information and encourage customers to give their views on your products on services. Generally speaking, to build trust, you must improve your quality of customer service. Building trust will lure more clients to you and this will subsequently increase the value of your business. It is easy to sell business that has a huge client base.

First impression
In addition to building trust, you will need to create a good first impression. Few people will give you the chance to explain yourself. To avoid losing hasty clients, work on your business image. Present yourself in a professional way and show interest in every person that comes knocking. Your business premise should also be welcoming. When you make a good first impression, more people will want to learn more about you. Consequently, your client base will start to grow and it will be easier to sell business at a good profit.

Understand your audience
You cannot make a good impression if you don’t know what your audiences are looking for. Start by looking at your competitors and identify the things they are doing good and wrong then improve on that. You should also know what your audiences are really looking for in the type of products or services you offer. Being able to speak directly to the needs of your audiences will draw them to you. Needless to say, your client base will grow and so will your value. To sell business will hence not be a problem.

Ask your current clients for help
Often, to go far, you have to ask for help. After making your clients happy with your products and services, it is time to ask them for help. Though you may consider it old-school, the word-of-mouth is still the best way to get the word out. You can ask your clients to refer you to their family and friends. However, for this to work, your clients have to be happy with your work.

There are more methods you can use to build your client base. The best thing is that more clients make your business more attractive to business buyers. It will be easy for you to sell business if you have a strong command in the current market.

What Client’s Say

We Couldn’t Be Happier

"When we thought about selling we had no idea what our business was worth or how to go about selling. What you were able to do was to cut through the fog so that we understood the valuation issue and had a comfort level with the process. As you know we ended up selling for somewhat more than the original valuation and we got all cash and our CPA loved the way our tax liability was minimized. We couldn’t be happier!"

Over $250,000 More

"Our first contact with you shocked us when you suggested that we wait 18 months before selling because you believed that if we hit our projections that the value would be significantly greater. As it turned out we not only followed your advice but also got slightly over $250,000 more than we originally had hoped for. It is seldom that we have had the opportunity to deal with a firm that doesn’t want both money and a commitment NOW. It was clear and obvious that you had our best interests at heart."

You Got the Valuation We Agreed On

"You did a great job on the sale of our business in really beating the bushes for buyers, including a UK company that was an active suitor. You managed to get the valuation that we had all agreed upon and got it substantially all in cash and got the transaction closed with little to no problems or expensive lawyers involved."

Thank You for Handling Our Business

"Our business was smaller than what your firm normally handles but it was a BIG part of our net worth and savings. Thank you for handling our business and we were very pleased and delighted with the results."

More Than Anticipated

"Our transaction was involved as we had different corporate entities located in different states. Our only regret is that we didn’t retain your services before 2012 when we paid $25,000 to a firm in Texas that did a valuation and market analysis for us before then failing to do anything in the way of trying to sell our business. You got it sold for more than anticipated."

The Sales Process