ENTREPRENEURSHIPMonths to result

Knowing When to Sell

Recognizing when it's time to let go

Problem it solves

business growth stalls

Best for

entrepreneurs who are considering selling their business

Not ideal for

those who are not ready to let go of their business

Overview

Why this framework exists

This framework is about recognizing when it's time to sell your business and move on. It's essential for entrepreneurs who are considering selling their business, but are unsure if it's the right time.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Pay attention to your feelings and intuition
  2. Consider the needs of your customers and employees
  3. Evaluate your goals and vision for the future

Steps

3 steps
  1. Reflect on your feelings and intuition
    Take time to reflect on your feelings and intuition about your business. Ask yourself if you're still excited and motivated about the business, or if you're feeling drained and unfulfilled.
    Pro tipTake a step back and gain some perspective
    WarningDon't ignore your feelings and intuition
  2. Consider the needs of your customers and employees
    Consider the needs of your customers and employees. Ask yourself if they would be better served by someone else, or if you're still the best person to lead the business.
    Pro tipPut the needs of your customers and employees first
    WarningDon't prioritize your own needs over those of your customers and employees
  3. Evaluate your goals and vision for the future
    Evaluate your goals and vision for the future. Ask yourself if you have a clear and compelling vision for the business, or if you're just going through the motions.
    Pro tipBe honest with yourself about your goals and vision
    WarningDon't stay in a business that no longer aligns with your goals and vision

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
Derek Sivers' experience with CD Baby

The author sold his company, CD Baby, when he realized that he had no big vision for the company's future. He learned that it's essential to recognize when it's time to let go and move on.

OutcomeThe author was able to move on and pursue new opportunities, and the business was able to thrive under new ownership.

Common mistakes

2 traps
Staying in a business too long
Staying in a business too long can lead to stagnation and decline. It's essential to recognize when it's time to let go and move on.
Ignoring your feelings and intuition
Ignoring your feelings and intuition can lead to poor decision-making. It's essential to pay attention to your feelings and intuition when considering whether to sell your business.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The author learned this lesson when he sold his company, CD Baby. He realized that he had no big vision for the company's future, and that it was time to let someone else take the reins.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Anything You Want: 40 Lessons for a New Kind of Entrepreneur
Derek Sivers · 2011
Open source →