Selling a business is a full time job and requires the efforts of a full time project manager. That's what I do; manage the entire sale process from inception to closing.

To achieve top dollar for your company, a formal sale process should be conducted. This includes valuation, pre-deal due diligence, packaging, targeting, negotiation and closing. Owners who follow this strategy typically receive multiple offers and will close in six to seven months.

Many brokerage firms are more interested in "getting the listing" than following a formal sale process. That's why the industry average closing time is 15 to 18 months.