A Business Broker Walks Into A Party
And Other Tales of Triumph
A BUSINESS BROKER WALKS INTO A PARTY
When I tell people I’m a real estate agent they automatically assume that I sell houses. No, nope, not ever. I love to live in them, but that’s where it stops. If I don’t feel like having a whole conversation, I’ll just mention that I’m in commercial real estate. They immediately assume I’m a baller and ask if they can drive my tesla around the parking lot. When we drill down and get to the heart of the matter the truth comes out: I sell businesses. One of two things happens: they avert their gaze and slowly walk away, or they say, “how the heck does that work?”.
For the sake of this conversation, let’s say they asked me to keep talking. I never know where to start. I usually put them in the seller’s shoes. People tend to understand things if you make it about them. Ok Pete, say you own Pete’s Popsicle Stand. You started it when you were in your mid-twenties and you never expected it to see the financial success and local fame you garnered. Over the years you’ve really made a name for yourself and grew it to 5 units and had your own production facility. You’re now 47 and you’re bored. You’re the envy of the community, but there’s a nagging that there’s something more. But what? And how? Enter Patty, she sells businesses. She lets you know that what you’ve built is valuable and there’s a slew of buyers wanting what you have. By selling your business, you become free to create that next chapter of your life. What would that be Pete? What would you do if you sold your famous Popsicle Stand? Travel, start another business, get a job in an industry that interests you? Some people are clear on what’s next, and for others, it’s a meander.
It’s really fun to watch people get it.
Yep, that’s what I do. I allow the Petes of the world to blow their popsicle stands and move onto the next one.
The takeaway: next time you have a party, be sure to invite a business broker.
