What do I wish I’d known before selling?
For most business owners, selling their company is a once-in-a-lifetime event. You only get one chance to do it right, and unlike starting or growing the business, you don’t get years of trial and error to figure it out.
When I talk to owners after they’ve gone through a sale, they often share a common theme: “I wish I’d known more going into it.”
Here are a few of the lessons I hear most often — shared so that if you’re considering a transition, you can benefit from the experiences of others.
1. It’s More Emotional Than You Expect
Even the most numbers-driven owners are surprised by how personal the process feels. Selling a business isn’t just selling an asset — it’s letting go of something that has defined you, your family, and your daily life for years.
What owners often wish they knew earlier is that it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement, relief, and even grief. Acknowledging that up front can make the transition smoother.
2. Preparation Pays Off (More Than You Think)
Most owners know they should “get their house in order,” but many underestimate how much even small improvements can boost value. Cleaning up financials, tightening operations, or documenting processes can significantly affect a buyer’s perception — and the purchase price.
One owner told me: “If I’d started preparing two years earlier, I could have sold for 20% more.” That’s why exit readiness reviews can be so valuable, even if you don’t plan to sell right away.
3. You Don’t Have to Sell 100%
A common misconception is that selling means walking away completely. In reality, many owners sell a portion of their company, take liquidity, and stay on as a partner. This lets them de-risk personally while still participating in the company’s future growth.
Owners often say they wish they had known earlier about options like equity rollovers, partial buyouts, or growth partnerships.
4. Culture and People Matter to Buyers Too
Many sellers fear that employees will be laid off or culture will be lost. What surprises them is that good buyers care about those things too. A strong, loyal team and a healthy culture actually make a company more valuable.
5. Choose Your Buyer as Carefully as They Choose You
The highest bid isn’t always the best outcome. Owners often wish they had spent more time getting to know potential buyers as people — asking, “Will they treat my employees well? Do they share my values?”
A sale is a financial transaction, but it’s also a handoff of your life’s work. Picking the right partner can make all the difference in how you feel about the deal years later.
Closing Thought
Selling a business is never simple, but you don’t have to go into it blind. Learning from those who’ve been there can save you regret and help you approach the process with clarity and confidence.
At Methodica Capital, we’ve talked with many owners — and we understand both the financial and personal sides of the decision. If you’ve ever wondered what selling might look like for you, we’d be glad to start the conversation — confidentially, with no pressure, and always with respect for what you’ve built.
