Direction of the Wind
How experience and resilience turn turbulent deals into successful outcomes
Selling a business is rarely plain sailing! Especially for smaller companies where the personal stakes are high and every decision carries weight.
Michael at Cosols have spent the last two decades helping business owners navigate the choppy waters of selling up. We’ve seen it all, and we’ve learned how to adapt, even when the winds change direction.
No Exit Is Ever as Simple as It Looks
Recently, Michael came across a quote that felt particularly close to home:
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”
It’s a sentiment that couldn’t ring more true right now.
A deal I was working on seemed like it was going to be a smooth ride. But as with many business sales, the reality turned out to be far more complicated:
- The preferred buyer unexpectedly dropped out.
- The next buyer; who looked promising had an accident and vanished from communication for two weeks.
- The seller began to panic, worried that the opportunity would slip away entirely.
When Sellers Panic, Deals Risk Collapse
When things go wrong, it’s easy to lose confidence. For business owners, selling isn’t just a transaction! It’s often the culmination of a lifetime of work. Watching that process unravel can feel overwhelming, even devastating. That’s why having someone in your corner who’s been through it all makes a difference.
Resilience Through Experience
What kept me calm was simple: I’ve been here before.
Twenty years in this business has taught me that there are always setbacks. But I’ve also learned how to weather them and how to adjust course, steady the ship, and keep heading toward the goal.
That mindset is at the heart of what we offer at Cosols.
The Plan
- We listen – Every sale is personal, and every journey is unique.
- We adapt – When things change, we change with them—fast.
- We deliver – Our track record proves that perseverance pays off.
Destination Reached, Calm Waters Ahead
The deal is still moving forward and not in the way we first imagined, but with renewed clarity and a better-aligned strategy. The seller is reassured, the buyer is back in the loop, and momentum is picking up once more.
Final Thoughts
Selling your business is rarely straightforward, but you don’t have to do it alone.
With the right guide, even the roughest seas can be crossed. You just have to adjust your sails.
If you know someone preparing to sell or struggling to, please refer them to us.
We’re ready to help them reach their destination.
