How to Sell Your Business to Private Equity: Secrets from Katie Donovan and Lance Bachmann

Prioritize diversifying your business offerings to ensure long-term stability and growth, as seen in companies that have lasted over 100 years.

Actively manage and optimize your Google Business Profile (GBP) with frequent posts, custom photos, and a goal of 25% of jobs leaving reviews to boost local search visibility.

For businesses reaching $5 million, focus on diversifying lead sources with targeted paid ads and investing in strong branding to build future value and market presence.

Be highly selective and transparent when choosing a private equity partner, ensuring cultural alignment and clear communication of expectations, as you will likely be working closely with them post-acquisition.

Maintain a professional online presence; private equity firms and customers alike scrutinize social media for anything that might indicate a lack of judgment or business risk.

Develop a clear, communicated strategy for your business's growth and exit, aligning all actions with KPIs and goals, whether it's market share, EBITDA, or preparing for sale.

Embrace AI as a tool, not a replacement for human expertise; focus on understanding inputs, outputs, and the strategic application of AI rather than trying to build complex tech from scratch.