Every buyer enters the process with a different lens. Some are chasing growth, others security, and others just care about the numbers. Understanding these motivations ahead of time puts you in a far stronger negotiating position. It can help you avoid surprises that can cause headaches and potentially derail a deal. Here’s a practical look at the most common buyer profiles you’re likely to encounter. The Competitor Your competitors are often the most obvious buyers. They already are aware of your market and your customers, and they have unique insights into the value of your business. In many cases, they can justify paying more because they see immediate upside, which includes increased market share and operational efficiencies, not to mention one less competitor out there for them. That said, this buyer type requires caution. Confidentiality is critical, and you’ll want to be very careful about your discussions. When handled correctly, competitor buyers can move quickly and … [Read more...]