There may come a point when you realize that selling your business is the best decision you can make. Regardless of why you want to go down this path, it’s important that you take the right steps at the right time.

Proper preparation will put you in the best possible position to successfully sell your business. Here’s what you need to do:

• Obtain a business valuation: While you probably have an idea of what you want to sell your business for, you won’t know for sure where to start until you receive a business valuation.
• Review your books: If your books aren’t in order, you’ll find it difficult to provide potential buyers with everything they need to make an informed decision.
• Consult with a financial advisor and attorney: There’s a lot that goes into selling a business, so you should surround yourself with a team of professionals who can provide guidance and help you prevent mistakes.
• Make yourself available to potential buyers: Selling your business is a big decision. So is buying a business. For this reason, you should make yourself available to potential buyers, as they’re sure to have questions about all aspects of your company. The more accommodating you are, the greater chance you have of making a sale.

These are the types of steps you should take as you prepare to sell your business. By doing these things, you’ll feel more confident in the direction things are heading.

Selling your business will impact you personally, professionally and financially. So, make sure you do everything the right way.