Old Heads, Young Shoulders
Why experience matters when selling your business
We all know the saying: You can’t put an old head on young shoulders.
It’s true in life, and it’s especially true in business.
Young people often make mistakes because they lack experience and don’t yet understand the value of listening. They act with confidence, sometimes without caution. And they usually learn their lessons the hard way.
Some business owners are no different…
Overconfidence in Selling Up
Business owners often believe they know how to sell their company. They’ve built it from the ground up, made hundreds of tough decisions, and likely handled their own negotiations in the past.
But selling your business isn’t just another deal. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime decision. And without the right experience and guidance, things can go badly wrong.
Earlier this year, I found the perfect buyer for a client. The fit was right, the process was moving well, and everything pointed to a smooth sale.
But then the seller’s head was turned.
A competitor swooped in with a bold offer. The price was wildly inflated, and the fees were even higher. It was all promised and no substance.
The seller went with them.
The Cost of Ignoring Advice
That sale never went ahead. The offer fell apart, and the seller was left stranded. Now, like someone returning sheepishly after ignoring sound advice, he’s looking for a way to come back to me.
No apology yet, just a quiet hope I might still be here to help.
And the truth is, I am.
Wisdom You Can Rely On
At Cosols, we don’t just find buyers. We bring years of real-world experience to every negotiation. We’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what looks too good to be true. And we help our clients make smart decisions and even when it means saying no to the shiny distractions.
The Plan
- Talk to us early – Before things get complicated
- Trust our process – It’s built on decades of experience
- Get the right result – With buyers who are serious and deals that are solid
Lessons Learned, Opportunities Regained
When this seller does come back, I’ll still be here. And we will have another buyer lined up, one who’s realistic, credible, and ready to move forward.
Because experience doesn’t just help you get a deal done. It helps you get the right deal done.
Final Thoughts
Selling a business is not the time to learn from mistakes. It’s the time to lean on experience.
Know someone getting ahead of themselves in a sale? Point them our way.
They’ll thank you later.
