Episode 41: Selling Your Small Business: Real Talk on Buyers, Profit, and Letting Go

What if the business you’ve poured your heart into can’t be sold when you’re ready to move on?In this eye-opening episode, Jennifer Kok sits down with Jessica Starks, business broker and Exit Factor expert, to break down everything entrepreneurs need to know about building a business with resale in mind — even if selling feels miles away. With 80% of businesses never selling, this is a must-listen for anyone building a business they hope to exit someday.Key Discussions: Why 80% of businesses never sell — and how to avoid being one of themWhat makes a business “sellable” (and what turns buyers off instantly)The dangers of owner-dependence and how to step out of your own wayThe emotional side of selling — and why you need an expert on your teamThe difference between running a good business and selling one at a high valueWhether you’re planning a future sale, thinking about stepping back, or just want to make your business more profitable today, this conversation will shift the way you think about ownership.Meet our Guest: Jessica Starks is a seasoned business professional specializing in exit strategies and business transitions. As the owner of Transworld Business Advisors and Exit Factor in Grand Rapids and Lansing, she offers comprehensive services in confidential business sales, as well as exit planning and preparation. Recognizing a market gap, Jessica established her own business to assist owners in exiting their companies. Her focus extends beyond baby boomers to encompass all business owners seeking to transition their enterprises while preserving their legacy and ensuring continuity for customers and employees.Connect with Jessica: https://www.tworld.com/grand-rapids-and-lansinghttps://exitfactor.com/offices/grand-rapids-and-lansingMeet our Host: Jennifer Kok has been a business owner for over 25 years and now is a business coach. She turned her first business into a franchise and successfully sold it 20 years later.  She was passionate about building a business and a family at the same time.If you’re ready to go beyond overwhelm and truly grow your business, I invite you to check out the Earn More Stress Less Growth System. It’s designed to help creative business owners like you increase revenue, improve profits, and finally pay yourself more—without burning out.You have three options to join, depending on where you're at in your journey—and all of them are built around real-world strategies that work.The time is now. No more waiting, no more guessing. Let’s build a business that not only grows, but gives you more freedom and fulfillment.https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.comStill underpaying yourself after all the hours you work?Let’s fix that.Join my FREE masterclass and learn how to:✔️ Price for profit✔️ Attract better customers✔️ Grow without constant marketing hustleThis is the roadmap to scaling smarter — not harder.Instant Access Webinar Replay found here: https://nextwavebusinesscoaching.com/webinarMeet Your Host:Jennifer Kok, Profit and Growth advisor for service-based women entrepreneurs. Women Entrepreneurs hire me to scale and grow their businesses profitably without burnout. I bring financial clarity, strategic focus and structure to the decision-making process. Because the truth is, business owners make decisions all day long, but the ones that really matter are often the hardest ones. Should I hire? Raise my prices? Invest in marketing? Let go of a draining client? Expand, or simplify?My clients, on average, see anywhere between $1k-$4k increase in net income each month without hustle, overwhelm, and burnout.Learn More about my Programs.Get your copy of Make Waves: How Women Entrepreneurs Stop Reacting. Start Profiting and Build a Business That Lasts. Connect with me:Website:Facebook:Instagram:LinkedIn:YouTube: