Mastering Niche Market Exit Planning

Selling a Neurolinguistic Programming Business

Maybe you're counting on your neurolinguistic programming business to be a stepping stone to your next big business venture. Maybe it's your retirement fund. Either way, you need to maximize the price it gets in the business-for-sale marketplace.

The business-for-sale market is just as frustrating for buyers as it is for sellers these days. There are lots of buyers who want to own a neurolinguistic programming business, but have limited capital to get their foot in the door.

Too often neurolinguistic programming business owners sell for a price that is well below market value. That's unfortunate because all it takes to get a fair price in today's market is ample planning and an awareness of what's important to buyers.

Advantages of Hiring a Broker

Brokers give neurolinguistic programming business sellers distinct advantages in the marketplace. Right out of the gate, brokers know how to help their clients properly prepare their businesses for a sale. More importantly, brokers have the ability to identify serious buyers and maintain confidentiality throughout the sale process. Typical brokerage rates (a.k.a. success fees) run 10% of the final price - an expense that is usually recouped through a higher sales price and less time on the market.

Laying the Groundwork

Effective neurolinguistic programming business preparation focuses on communicating value to prospective buyers. Professional business brokers understand buyers and know how to properly communicate a neurolinguistic programming business to the marketplace. At a minimum, you'll want to position your business to receive the highest possible sale price, prepare a packet for prospective buyers and perform an initial appraisal before you put your neurolinguistic programming business on the market.

Seller Financing

Capital is hard to come by these days. Financial institutions have tightened up their lending policies, making it difficult for inexperienced and undercapitalized entrepreneurs to buy neurolinguistic programming businesses. As a result, buyers expect sellers to finance a significant portion of the sale. Although 100% seller financing isn't recommended, sellers are financing up to 70% of the sale price to close deals.

Share this article


Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs

Lists of Venture Capital and Private Equity Firms

Franchise Opportunities

Contributors

Business Glossary