Free Owner Resources
This is the "DIY" path. These are some of the best books and resources I've found for both buyers and sellers wanting to learn about business value and the exit process.
Articles
Online guides and articles to help you navigate the exit process.
When to Use SDE vs EBITDA: A Guide for Business Owners
A comprehensive guide explaining the difference between SDE and EBITDA, when to use each metric, and how valuation multiples typically range from 2-5x depending on business structure. Includes breakdowns by industry and buyer type (individual buyers, strategic buyers, financial buyers) to help you understand how your business will be valued.
View ArticleThe 4 Types of Buyers of Businesses
A comprehensive guide to understanding individual buyers, financial buyers, strategic buyers, and industry buyers. Learn how to identify which type is most likely to purchase your business and how to market accordingly.
View ArticleExiting Your Business
A great, free online guide from one of the largest marketplaces. It covers the basics of valuation, finding a broker, due diligence, and closing the deal.
View ArticleSBA Loan Requirements for Business Acquisitions
Understanding SBA financing is critical since most small business acquisitions rely on SBA loans. This guide covers eligibility, requirements, and how to structure a deal that's financeable.
View ArticleDue Diligence Checklist for Business Buyers
A practical guide to the due diligence process from a buyer's perspective. Understanding what buyers look for helps you prepare your business for sale and anticipate their concerns.
View ArticleThe Art of the Exit: Preparing Your Business for Sale
Key strategies for preparing your business for sale, including financial preparation, operational improvements, and timing considerations. Learn what to do 2-3 years before you want to exit.
View ArticleBooks
Essential reading for understanding business value and the exit process.
Note: There are no affiliate links or kickbacks on any of these recommendations. These are simply resources I've found valuable.
The E-Myth Revisited
The single best book on the difference between "working *in* your business and working *on* your business." This is the foundation for building real, sellable value.
View on AmazonBuilt to Sell
A parable that walks you through the process of turning a service-based business (which is dependent on you) into a productized, scalable asset that someone will want to buy.
View on AmazonSimple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits
You can't sell what you can't measure. This book is a no-nonsense guide to understanding your financials from a *cash-flow* perspective, which is exactly how buyers will look at you.
View on AmazonHBR Guide to Buying a Small Business
The single best way to learn how to sell your business is to learn how smart people *buy* them. This is the textbook for "Search Fund" buyers and will show you exactly what they look for.
View on AmazonBuy Then Build
Another "think like a buyer" book. This one is geared toward individual entrepreneurs and operators. It shows how they analyze deals, structure financing, and mitigate risk.
View on AmazonHow to Buy a Good Business at a Great Price
A comprehensive guide offering step-by-step instructions for purchasing a business, covering everything from valuation to negotiation. Essential reading for understanding the buyer's perspective.
Visit WebsiteTraction: Get a Grip on Your Business
The foundational book of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Learn how to build a self-managing, scalable business through six key components. Essential for creating a sellable business.
View on AmazonPodcasts
Listen and learn from experts discussing business exits, acquisitions, and value creation.
M&A Talk Podcast
The #1 podcast on selling a business. Features interviews with experienced M&A professionals sharing their secrets and strategies for successful business exits.
Listen NowAcquiring Minds
A podcast exploring entrepreneurship through acquisition. Learn from entrepreneurs who have bought businesses and become owners. Features stories, deals, and insights from the #1 community of business buyers online.
Listen NowThe Exit Strategy Show
Focused on helping business owners plan and execute successful exits. Covers valuation, deal structure, tax planning, and transition strategies.
Listen NowWho Your Buyers Are Following on Social Media
These are the influencers, educators, and dealmakers that active buyers follow for insights on acquisitions, deal sourcing, and business evaluation.
Marketplaces
BizBuySell
The largest online marketplace for buying and selling businesses. Their content includes market trends, valuation insights, and tips for both buyers and sellers. Follow to understand market dynamics.
Visit WebsiteSMB Deal Exchange
A marketplace and community focused on small and medium business transactions. Provides deal listings, market insights, and connects buyers with sellers in the SMB space.
Visit WebsiteHigh Cost Hand Holders
Premium communities and programs that charge significant fees for access to education, deal flow, and mentorship.
SMB Deal Hunter
Focused on small and medium business acquisitions. Provides deal sourcing strategies, valuation insights, and practical tips for finding and evaluating businesses in the $1M-$10M range. Offers free newsletter and content.
Visit WebsiteAcquisition Lab
A community and educational platform for entrepreneurs pursuing acquisitions. Offers frameworks, deal analysis tools, and connects buyers with opportunities. Premium membership required for full access.
Visit WebsiteDealmaker Wealth Society
A community focused on building wealth through business acquisitions. Shares deal structures, financing strategies, and case studies from real transactions. Premium membership includes access to deal flow and mentorship.
Follow on X/TwitterBen Kelly
Business acquisition expert and educator offering premium courses and coaching programs. Focuses on helping buyers find, evaluate, and acquire businesses through structured programs and mentorship.
Follow on InstagramFree and Low Cost Truthtellers
Educators who share valuable, practical insights without requiring expensive memberships or programs.
Richard Parker
Author of "How to Buy a Good Business at a Great Price" and founder of Diomo. Shares practical, no-nonsense advice on business acquisition, due diligence, and deal negotiation. Free content and affordable resources.
Visit WebsiteDavid C Barnett
Business broker and educator who shares honest, practical insights about buying and selling businesses. Known for straight-talking content about valuations, deal structures, and the realities of the acquisition process.
Watch on YouTubeOther Operators Helping Businesses Prepare for Sale
These are other operators, consultants, and advisors who help business owners optimize their operations and prepare their businesses for exit.
Companies
NAVIX Consultants
Since 2009, NAVIX has assisted over 400 business owners in preparing for successful exits, representing a combined business value exceeding $2.5 billion. Focuses on exit readiness and value maximization.
Visit WebsiteBusiness Transition Academy
Provides comprehensive exit planning and advisory services for businesses with annual revenues between $5 million and $250 million. Focuses on ownership transition planning and execution.
Visit WebsiteG-Squared Partners
Provides customized exit planning consulting, guiding business owners through financial, operational, and strategic planning to maximize business value and ensure a smooth transition.
Visit WebsiteExit Planning Exchange (XPX)
A network of professional advisors dedicated to assisting privately-held businesses through various stages of the business lifecycle, including exit planning. Connects business owners with certified exit planning professionals.
Visit WebsiteThe McFarland Group
Partners with business owners to scale and secure their company's future through strategic measures, including selling to management and leveraging business value to retain top talent.
Visit WebsiteIndividuals
John Leonetti
Founder of the International Exit Planning Association (IEPA). Has advised hundreds of midsized firms on exit-related issues and authored "Exiting Your Business, Protecting Your Wealth."
Visit WebsiteJames R. Haefele
Leading Partner & Visionary at Haefele Flanagan. Specializes in exit planning, offering services such as valuation maximization, retirement planning, and tax optimizations.
Visit WebsiteReady for a Human?
This is a lot to digest. If you've done the reading and want a no-pitch, blunt assessment of your specific business from a buyer's perspective, that's what I'm here for.
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