Selling a Business in 2026. Part 4: How Do I Sell a Business?

If you’re asking “How do I actually sell a business?” — this post is for you.

Whether you’re in Nashville, Middle Tennessee, or anywhere across the state, 2026 is shaping up to be a year full of opportunity and uncertainty. So far in this series, we’ve covered:

• What’s happening economically
• How trends are playing out in Tennessee
• What you can do to prepare

Now in this final part, I’ll break down the actual process. Not the theory — the real steps you can take today to get your business sold, or at least pointed in the right direction.

As a Nashville business broker, my job is to make this process clear, strategic, and tailored to your timeline.

What You Can Do Right Now to Sell Your Business

Here’s the first step — and it’s a lot simpler than most owners think:

✅ Pull your last 3 years of P&L statements

That’s it. Don’t overthink it. Just gather the numbers. Then:

• Call a broker (me, ideally)
• Get an opinion of value
• Start a real conversation about when and how to sell

This is how deals get started. No big decisions yet — just clarity and direction.

Using a Business Broker in 3 Simple Steps

Here’s how the process works with a broker:

1. Preparation

We work together to understand your business, organize documents, and get the full picture.

2. Marketing

I build a confidential marketing package, position your business, and connect with buyers from my network and beyond.

3. Deal Closing

We manage diligence, offers, deal structure, and final negotiations. You don’t have to navigate it alone.

If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to work with a broker — think of it like hiring a guide. You don’t have to commit to the journey yet. But it helps to know what the trail looks like.

Three Secret Weapons Brokers Bring to the Table

Wondering if working with a broker is worth it? Here are three major advantages:

🔐 1. Confidentiality & Screening

We filter out tire-kickers and only bring serious, qualified buyers to the table — all under NDA.

👥 2. Buyer Network

We already know who’s looking. I can often reach out to 5–10 people on Day 1 who are actively seeking your type of business.

🔧 3. Resource Network

Need a bookkeeper, fractional CFO, estate planner, or deal attorney? I’ve got trusted referrals to make sure you’re covered on every front.

Selling a business isn’t just a transaction — it’s a life transition. You deserve a team around you.

Top 3 Mistakes Business Owners Will Make in 2026

Even great businesses can stumble when it’s time to sell. Here are the biggest mistakes I see coming in 2026:

❌ 1. Avoiding AI altogether

Even if your business doesn’t use AI now, buyers want to know it can. Ignoring this conversation could limit your valuation.

❌ 2. Letting the market dictate their life

Waiting “for a better year” might cost you more than it helps. If you’re ready to sell, don’t delay your future chasing perfect timing.

❌ 3. Working too hard instead of delegating

If everything still runs through you, you’re reducing your company’s value. Bring in a general manager or build a management layer — buyers want a business, not a job.

Why Now Is Still the Right Time to Sell a Business

Here’s my honest take as a Nashville business broker:

The economy isn’t booming, but it’s not crashing either. It’s stable — and that’s a great environment to sell a business if you’re ready.

More importantly:
There’s no clear signal that a “boom” is coming. So if you’re waiting for some magical moment, you could miss your window — or lose another year of retirement or reduced workload.

Buyers are still buying. Capital is still available. The process still works — if you’re prepared.

Ready to Start?

If you’ve made it through all 4 parts of this series, you’re serious about doing this the right way. That’s exactly who I want to help.

Let’s talk about what your exit could look like, when the time is right for you, and what the next step is — whether you’re selling in 3 months or 3 years.