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Why 80% of Small Businesses Never Actually Sell
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In this episode of What The Biz?!, hosts Brigitte Vegter and Daniel Proczko explore a startling reality revealed by a recent Huntington Bank report: while 54% of business owners hope to sell within the next five years, statistics show that between 80% and 89% of businesses will never successfully complete a transaction. We break down the massive gap between "intention" and "preparation" and why a feeling is not a formal succession plan.
The duo discusses the shift away from generational hand-offs—with only 19% of businesses staying in the family—and what it really takes to be "exit-ready." Brigitte highlights the "Compliance vs. Advisory" gap, noting that only about 5% of businesses have a true consultant or strategist in their corner. We provide three immediate action items, including the 30-Day Dependency Test, to help you start your five-year exit clock today. Finally, Brigitte shares a "What The Biz" win from a hotel coffee shop that turned a mechanical failure into a masterclass in employee empowerment and customer loyalty.
Show Topics & Sources
- The Reality of Business Sales: Why industry reports from the Exit Planning Institute suggest only 11% to 20% of businesses listed actually sell.
- The Exit-Ready Blueprint: Key requirements for a high-multiple sale, including due-diligence-ready financials, documented processes, and leadership depth.
- The Advisor Audit: Only 6% of businesses use a consultant, with many relying on friends or family for critical strategic advice.
- Revenue vs. Margin Trends: Why buyers look for 3–5 years of increasing profit margins rather than just "coasting" revenue.
- WTB Moment: How a pre-determined "drink on us" policy during equipment failure saved a brand and empowered its front-line staff.
Liked this show? SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google and more. Catch past episodes and show notes at WhatTheBiz.com.
Join the WhattheBiz?! newsletter to be the first to learn about upcoming events and specials.
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a voicemail on WhatTheBiz.com!
*********
Hosts
Daniel Proczko - myPocketMarketing
Brigitte Vegter - Vegter Financial
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By What the Biz?!Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of What The Biz?!, hosts Brigitte Vegter and Daniel Proczko explore a startling reality revealed by a recent Huntington Bank report: while 54% of business owners hope to sell within the next five years, statistics show that between 80% and 89% of businesses will never successfully complete a transaction. We break down the massive gap between "intention" and "preparation" and why a feeling is not a formal succession plan.
The duo discusses the shift away from generational hand-offs—with only 19% of businesses staying in the family—and what it really takes to be "exit-ready." Brigitte highlights the "Compliance vs. Advisory" gap, noting that only about 5% of businesses have a true consultant or strategist in their corner. We provide three immediate action items, including the 30-Day Dependency Test, to help you start your five-year exit clock today. Finally, Brigitte shares a "What The Biz" win from a hotel coffee shop that turned a mechanical failure into a masterclass in employee empowerment and customer loyalty.
Show Topics & Sources
- The Reality of Business Sales: Why industry reports from the Exit Planning Institute suggest only 11% to 20% of businesses listed actually sell.
- The Exit-Ready Blueprint: Key requirements for a high-multiple sale, including due-diligence-ready financials, documented processes, and leadership depth.
- The Advisor Audit: Only 6% of businesses use a consultant, with many relying on friends or family for critical strategic advice.
- Revenue vs. Margin Trends: Why buyers look for 3–5 years of increasing profit margins rather than just "coasting" revenue.
- WTB Moment: How a pre-determined "drink on us" policy during equipment failure saved a brand and empowered its front-line staff.
Liked this show? SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google and more. Catch past episodes and show notes at WhatTheBiz.com.
Join the WhattheBiz?! newsletter to be the first to learn about upcoming events and specials.
Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a voicemail on WhatTheBiz.com!
*********
Hosts
Daniel Proczko - myPocketMarketing
Brigitte Vegter - Vegter Financial