At The Brokerage Connection, we’ve guided hundreds of Australian entrepreneurs through this exact crossroads. Our approach? We remove the emotion and focus on strategy.
Here’s the framework we use to help determine whether it’s time to grow — or time to go.
1. Are You Tired or Burned Out?
If you’re feeling chronically exhausted — mentally, physically, or emotionally — it’s more than just stress. It may be a sign that the business has outgrown your current energy or capacity.
Burnout has real consequences: it can weaken leadership, reduce performance, and ultimately diminish the value of the business.
Ask yourself:
Would stepping away bring relief or regret?
Strategic insight: Selling before burnout reaches its peak can protect both your legacy and your well-being.
2. Can Your Team Operate Without You?
If your business can’t function without you at the centre of it all, it’s not truly scalable. And more importantly, it’s less attractive to buyers.
That doesn’t mean you must sell now — but it might be time to build systems, delegate operational control, or establish a second-in-command.
Why it matters:
Businesses that run independently of their founders tend to sell faster — and command higher valuations.
3. Is Your Market in High Demand?
Market timing plays a critical role in the success of a business sale. When demand is strong — either in your specific industry or the wider economy — buyers are often willing to pay a premium.
We’ve seen clients receive multiple competitive offers simply because they chose to act before the market cooled.
Example:
A trade services business we supported in NSW received three qualified offers in less than 30 days, capitalising on surging infrastructure demand.
4. Do You Need Capital to Grow?
You don’t always have to sell the entire business.
For many founders, selling a minority stake is the best of both worlds: it unlocks capital, brings in a strategic partner, and supports expansion — all while retaining control and upside.
Consider this approach if you’re not ready to exit completely, but want to fund the next stage of growth.
The Bottom Line
If your business is profitable, systemised, and in demand, this may be the right time to exit at a premium.
But if you’re still building momentum and have the resources to scale, growth may deliver a stronger return over time.
Either way, you don’t need to make the decision alone.
Let’s Talk — Confidentially
At The Brokerage Connection, we offer discreet, no-obligation discovery calls to help you evaluate both paths. Whether you’re exploring a full sale, a partial exit, or a plan to scale first, we’ll guide you toward the best strategy for your goals.
Book your free call today
👉 thebrokerageconnection.com.au/contact
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