Most business owners believe their company is worth far more than it actually is… until they try to sell it.

In this episode of Business Babble, we break down the uncomfortable truth about exiting a business. Why most founders leave it too late, why “blood, sweat and tears” means nothing to a buyer, and what actually determines whether someone will pay for your business.

We dive into:

• When you should start planning your exit (hint: it’s earlier than you think)
• Why most businesses take 2–5 years to become sellable
• The biggest mistake founders make when trying to sell
• What buyers are really purchasing (and it’s not your revenue)
• Why emotional attachment destroys business value
• The truth about brand value and whether it actually means anything
• Real examples including hairdressers, service businesses, and local brands
• Why data, customer behaviour, and cash flow matter more than anything else

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or planning an exit strategy, this episode will challenge how you think about building, scaling, and eventually selling your company.

💡 Whether you're just starting out or years into your journey, this is the reality check most founders never get.