Are you absolutely certain you want to sell your business?  If so, you are rare.  Most business owners struggle with the decision to sell, wondering if it is the right thing to do.

If we had the perfect self-test we could tell you whether now is the time to sell.  Unfortunately, there is no such test.  But we'll try anyway.  Maybe you will gain some insight.

To Keep Your Score:  For each question, count a "Yes" as 3, a "Maybe" or "Undecided" as 2 and a "No" as 1.

Self Test 1:  (For those who are considering retirement)

1. Do I want more time for leisure activities, family time or volunteer work?
   
2. Am I satisfied with my professional accomplishments?
   
3. Do I know how I will spend my time if I sell?
   
4. If I sell now, will I get a high enough price for my business to feel satisfied with what I’ve done (or am I selling too early to realize what I have built)?
   
5. If I sell now, will I net enough after taxes, debt and expenses to be financially secure?
   
6. Is this a good time to get top dollar for my business? 
   
7. Am I afraid I might lose out if I wait any longer to sell?
   
8. Am I afraid I won't be able to transition the business if I wait longer to sell?
   
9. Can I overcome any fear I might have of losing my identity, my social relationships and my sense of purpose?
   
10. Will I get significant relief when I sell (from fear, stress, anxiety, overwork, frustration and the like)?

Self Test 2:  (For those who are NOT ready for retirement)

1. Have I lost interest in my work or do I enjoy it less than I once did?
   
2. Will it be difficult to change the things I don’t like about my current situation without selling the business?
   
3. Is there something I’d rather be doing or do I want more time for leisure activities, family time or volunteer work?
   
4. Do I feel like I will be missing out if I don’t try something else before it's too late (starting a new company, new career or pastime)?
   
5. Do I know what I will do after the sale or do I think I can work for the new owner?
   
6. If I need to keep working, do I have other alternatives if I don’t like working for the new owner (bearing in mind I will be restricted from competing)?
   
7. If I sell now, will I get a high enough price for my business to feel satisfied with what I’ve done and reasonably secure at this stage in my life (or am I selling too early)?
   
8. Is this a good time to get top price for my business or do I fear that I might not get top dollar if I wait to long to sell?
   
9. Can I overcome any fear that I might have of losing my identity, my social relationships and my sense of purpose? 
   
10. Will I get significant relief when I sell (from fear, stress, anxiety, overwork, frustration and the like)?

25-30  You Are As Ready As Anyone
20-24  Might Require Some More Thought
10-19  Hang In There A While Longer

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