Running a business, especially one you have built from the ground up is a wild ride of ideas, closing deals, elevator pitches, hiring and firing…and, well you know what it’s like to be in charge of something bigger than you, right?
It’s an amazing, exciting, and often exhausting thing to take on, so some of us eventually come to the point where the business isn’t doing it for us any longer and the thoughts of selling up and doing something else start to creep in amongst the endless invoices and emails.
The thing is, it can be tricky to know when the time is right to sell up and look for pastures new, right? Well, if that’s the predicament you’re in right now, here are 7 signs it’s time to sell that might just help you along.
1. Your Passion’s Packed Its Bags
Remember when you couldn’t wait to get up in the morning and work on your business? Now the idea of checking emails feels like dragging a boulder uphill. If your passion has fizzled and you’re running purely on autopilot, it might be time to hand over the keys.
2. Growth Has Flatlined
You’ve tried everything - new marketing campaigns, shiny tech tools, maybe even bribing the universe with a vision board - but revenue is stuck in neutral. If your business has plateaued and you can’t find a way to scale it further, a buyer with fresh energy and resources might be able to take it where you can’t.
3. Your Personal Goals Have Shifted
Maybe you want more time with family. Maybe you’ve got a new dream, like starting another business, traveling the world, or finally writing that novel about a time-traveling alpaca. If your business no longer aligns with your personal goals, that’s a big flashing sign that it’s time to let go.
4. The Industry’s Changing (and Not in Your Favor)
Markets evolve, technology disrupts, and suddenly the thing you built isn’t as relevant as it once was. If your industry is shifting faster than you can adapt, selling before you get left behind could be the smartest move.
5. You’re Burned Out (Like, Really Burned Out)
It’s one thing to feel tired, but it’s another to feel like you’re running on fumes 24/7. Burnout can cloud judgment and hurt performance. If your stress levels are off the charts, selling could give you the freedom to breathe again.
6. Someone Makes You an Offer You Can’t Refuse
Sometimes, the decision is easy. If someone shows up with a check that makes your jaw hit the floor, it might be time to stop overthinking and take the deal.
7. You’ve Got No Exit Plan
Here’s the kicker: even if you’re not quite ready to sell today, you need to think about tomorrow. Working with exit strategy consultants can help you put together a plan so that when the time does come, you’re not scrambling.
The Bottom Line
Selling your business doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means you’ve built something valuable enough that someone else wants it. If a few of these signs are hitting close to home, it might be time to start exploring your options.
After all, sometimes the smartest move is knowing when to walk away.
