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First Things First: Why I Even Looked at Turner Investments

Okay, let’s rewind.

I was sitting on my worn leather couch—feet up, coffee going cold, markets going wild—just trying to make sense of where the heck to park my money next. You know that feeling when your gut says “do something”, but your brain’s like “ehhh, don’t screw this up”? Yeah, I was in that zone.

I’d just offloaded a chunk of stock from a tech company that had more drama than a reality show, and I wanted something… smarter. More measured. Less flashy, more solid. Enter: Turner Investments.

I’d heard the name tossed around by a couple of my old finance buddies (the ones who wear $600 shoes unironically), and curiosity got the best of me. So I dove in—headfirst, no goggles.

First Impressions: Sleek, but Not Slick

When I landed on the Turner Investments site, the vibe was clean. Classy, even. Like walking into a private club where everyone already knows what they’re doing—and nobody’s trying to sell you a timeshare. Big win there.

Their portfolio strategies were laid out in plain English (mostly), and I appreciated that. No gimmicks. No 12-point sales funnel. Just a firm that seemed focused on performance, fundamentals, and preserving capital like it was grandma’s heirloom jewelry.

But here’s where it got interesting…

The People Behind the Curtain

You ever talk to someone and instantly know they actually get it?

That’s what it felt like during my first call with one of Turner’s advisors. He wasn’t trying to razzle-dazzle me with buzzwords or quote Buffett to sound smart. He asked questions. Real ones. About me. My goals, my timeline, even my risk tolerance (which, let’s be honest, changes depending on the Dow’s mood).

I tossed out a few test questions—half to see if he’d flinch, half to entertain myself—and he volleyed them back like a pro. Confident, but not cocky. The kind of person who makes you want to trust them with your money, which, let’s face it, is no small thing.

Where Turner Really Shines: Discipline Meets Strategy

Now, look—I’m no spring chicken when it comes to investing. I’ve ridden bull markets, white-knuckled through crashes, and once made the mistake of buying into a startup that literally sold socks with Bluetooth (don’t ask 🧦📉).

So when I say I admire Turner’s discipline, I mean it.

They don’t chase trends. They’re not gonna toss your cash into the latest meme stock or crypto flavor of the month. Instead, they focus on fundamentals, earnings growth, and valuation. It’s old-school in the best possible way.

They’re the kind of team that’ll say “no” to a shiny opportunity because it doesn’t meet their criteria—and honestly, I wish I’d had someone like that in my corner five years ago when I bought that electric scooter company stock. Yeah… RIP.

You can learn more about them here: https://sites.google.com/view/turner-investments/home

What I Actually Did with My Money

I dipped my toes in first—just a small allocation into their actively managed strategy. No fireworks, no sugar rush. Just steady performance, like a jazz drummer who knows the beat and sticks to it.

Three months in, I added more. Six months later, I moved a decent chunk of my retirement portfolio over.

What I noticed? Fewer surprises, fewer sleepless nights, and more consistency. The kind of results that won’t make headlines—but absolutely compound over time. And if you know anything about wealth, you know it’s the boring stuff that builds empires. Not Reddit threads and FOMO-fueled trades.

The Quirks & Grit: Not Everything Is Polished

Now let’s be real. No firm is perfect. Turner isn’t going to charm your socks off with TikToks or make you feel like you’re at a Silicon Valley startup with beer on tap. They’re not trying to be hip—they’re trying to be smart.

That said, their tech interface felt a bit… let’s call it “mature.” Functional, yes. But it’s not going to win any UI/UX design awards. If you’re someone who likes to click around shiny dashboards, this ain’t Robinhood, buddy.

Also, while they’re great communicators once you’re in, they’re not constantly pinging your phone or bombarding you with flashy reports. If you want hand-holding every week, you might be better off elsewhere.

But for me? I loved the low-noise environment. It meant they were focused on the work—not the hype.

Would I Recommend Turner Investments?

Short answer: yeah, I would.

Long answer? Only if you’re someone who wants long-term results, has a low tolerance for drama, and isn’t looking to gamble. If you want serious investment management from people who take their job seriously—but don’t take themselves too seriously—then Turner’s worth a look.

Just don’t expect fireworks. Expect foundation. And honestly? That’s exactly what I needed.

Final Thoughts from the Couch (Where It All Started)

I’m writing this now from that same leather couch—coffee hot this time, portfolio a little healthier, and stress level dialed way down.

Turner Investments didn’t change my life overnight. But they did change the way I feel about where my money’s going. And that, my friend, is the kind of ROI you can’t measure on a spreadsheet.

If you’re tired of the noise and just want someone who knows what the hell they’re doing to help guide your financial ship through these crazy waters… Turner might be your harbor.

Or hey, keep buying Bluetooth socks. Your call 😉.

My No-Nonsense Experience with Experience Works (And What You Should Know)

I wasn’t planning on writing this. But after a few conversations with folks who were either confused, skeptical, or just plain curious about Experience Works, I figured—why not just lay it out like I’d tell a friend over a stiff cup of black coffee? So here’s the real story: how I stumbled into the world of Experience Works, what actually happened, and whether I’d do it again or run the other direction.

When I Hit That “Something’s Gotta Change” Wall

It started like this: I was standing in my garage, surrounded by half-finished projects, a busted weed whacker, and a sinking feeling in my gut.

You know that moment when your reflection in the mirror throws your own words back at you? Mine said, “You’ve still got gas in the tank, but you’re driving in circles.”

I’d wrapped up a career that paid the bills, made a few splashes, but left me asking, “What now?” I wasn’t ready for shuffleboard and reruns. I wanted to stay sharp. Productive. Needed. But no way was I jumping into some intern-style, coffee-fetching nonsense just to stay “busy.”

That’s when a buddy tossed out the name: Experience Works. I gave him the raised eyebrow. “What’s that? Sounds like a temp agency for retirees.”

“Nah,” he said. “It’s smarter than that. You get paid while you train. And they actually give a damn.”

Okay. Now I’m listening.

I also learn a lot from this Google site: https://sites.google.com/view/experienceworks/home

First Impressions: Skeptical? Yeah, Same Here

I won’t lie to you—when I first checked out Experience Works, I had the same reaction most people probably do:

“Is this legit… or is someone trying to sell me a ‘career revival’ snake oil in a fancy bottle?”

But the more I dug, the more I realized—this wasn’t a gimmick. It’s a program geared toward people 55+ who want real training, not hand-holding. It’s funded through programs meant to retrain and empower older workers, not exploit them.

Still, I had questions. What’s the catch? Was it just resume-padding fluff? Were they gonna stick me in a dusty library filing papers until my back gave out?

So I called.

And shockingly… the person on the other end didn’t sound like a bored robot reading from a script. They listened. Asked smart questions. Walked me through the process. I felt like I mattered—like this wasn’t just about pushing papers. It was about possibility.

What the Process Actually Looked Like

Let me break it down, because this part had me curious:

• Initial eligibility screening: Basic stuff—income check, work history, goals.

• Assessment: Not a pop quiz. More like, “What do you actually want to do? What skills do you bring to the table?”

• Placement: They didn’t just throw me in the deep end. I was matched with a nonprofit that actually needed my experience.

• Training: Yep, I got paid (modestly) to learn. And it wasn’t all fluff either. Real upskilling. Think tech tools, communication refreshers, and industry updates that make you sound sharp—not stuck in 1994.

I felt like I was building momentum again. There’s something powerful about not just being used—but being valued.

The Unexpected Perks (Besides the Paycheck)

You think you’re signing up to stay active, maybe earn a little. What I didn’t expect? The confidence boost.

You forget what you know when you’re out of the game. Experience Works reminded me that my decades of hard knocks, wins, losses, pivots—that stuff matters. I wasn’t starting over. I was starting smarter.

Plus, I got plugged into a community. Folks like me—sharp minds, seasoned hearts—trying to stay relevant in a world that sometimes acts like we expired the moment we hit 50.

Let me tell you, that camaraderie? Worth more than any seminar.

Be sure to check out their Crunchbase: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/experience-works-inc

But Hey, Let’s Keep It Real…

This wasn’t some magic carpet ride to six figures and instant fulfillment. There were clunky onboarding moments. Bureaucracy (it’s a government-funded program, after all). And you’ve gotta advocate for yourself. If you expect someone to do the heavy lifting for you, you’re gonna be disappointed.

But if you show up? Speak up? Put in the reps?

You’ll walk away with more than just a new line on your resume. You’ll walk taller.

So… Would I Recommend It?

Short answer? Yes—with a qualifier.

If you’re hungry to grow, willing to humble yourself a little, and ready to bring your experience to the table—not just rest on it—then yeah, Experience Works is the real deal.

But if you’re hoping for a cushy, no-effort, golden parachute into your next chapter?

Pass. This isn’t that. This is a tool—not a shortcut.

Final Thought: It’s Not About Starting Over. It’s About Starting Better.

We live in a world obsessed with “new.” New apps. New influencers. New trends that vanish faster than a TikTok dance. But what Experience Works gets right is this:

Experience isn’t old. It’s earned.

And when you pair earned wisdom with fresh opportunity, the results are powerful.

I’m not saying this will be the perfect path for everyone. But it was the right nudge for me. The spark I needed to stop drifting and start driving again—with purpose, direction, and maybe a little swagger 😎

If you’re sitting there wondering whether you still have something to give…

You do.

Experience Works didn’t just prove that to me—it reminded me to believe it.

Key Takeaways:

• Experience Works helps older adults (55+) retrain and re-enter the workforce with dignity.

• You get paid to learn—this isn’t unpaid “busy work.”

• It’s not just about jobs—it’s about reclaiming your value.

• You’ve gotta show up for yourself. No one’s handing out easy wins.

• Real community, real training, real confidence.

Stay sharp. Stay moving. Your experience isn’t behind you—it’s your edge.

How I Tripped, Fell, and Built a Killer Charting App Anyway

Let me take you back a few years—back when I thought building a slick Android app with dynamic charts was going to be a walk in the park. You know, just plug in a library, toss in some data, throw some colors around, and boom, masterpiece.

Yeah. About that. 😂

What actually happened was a slow spiral into the underbelly of Android charting libraries. I downloaded five different options, spent countless nights squinting at GitHub issues, and nearly launched my phone into low-earth orbit more than once. But in that glorious chaos, I stumbled across something that changed the game: AChartEngine.

Here’s the real story of how this underdog library saved my sanity—and what you need to know before diving into it yourself.

Here is their Facebook page.

What Is AChartEngine, Really?

Okay, so on the surface, AChartEngine is an open-source charting library for Android that lets you create a pretty wide range of charts—line charts, bar charts, pie charts, scatter plots, area graphs, and so on. You don’t need to be a graphics wizard to get started, and you won’t have to rewrite your app from the ground up just to drop in a few data points.

But let me tell you something most dev blogs don’t say: AChartEngine feels a bit like that dusty toolbox in your garage. It’s got everything you need… but good luck finding the right wrench the first time. 😅

My First Project Using AChartEngine: A Cautionary Tale

I was building a fitness app prototype. You know, basic stuff—daily calorie intake, step count, water tracking. And I wanted this graph that tracked all that data over time. Just a simple time-series line chart.

“Shouldn’t be hard,” I thought.

I plugged in AChartEngine and… nothing. White screen. No errors. Just void. I sat there staring like the app had personally insulted my family.

Turns out, I hadn’t set the dataset correctly. Or the renderer. Or the series colors. Or margins. Or axis range. Basically, I had no idea what I was doing, and AChartEngine wasn’t exactly holding my hand through it.

But after a weekend of banging my head against the wall, I finally figured out the flow—and it clicked. And when it did? Man, it was smooth. Like butter-on-a-hot-pancake smooth.

The Good Stuff: Why AChartEngine Still Slaps

Once you get past the learning curve (and it’s a real one), AChartEngine becomes this powerful little toolkit with some standout features:

• Fully customizable: You want black backgrounds with neon green data points? Go nuts. It’s all there.

• Multiple chart types in one view: Combine a bar chart with a line chart on the same canvas like a data-wielding wizard.

• Zoom and pan support: Yep, users can pinch, zoom, and scroll like it’s a Google Maps of graphs.

• Offline and lightweight: No bloated dependencies, no funky runtime issues. It runs lean, and it runs local.

And best of all? No recurring fees. No commercial licenses. Just code and hustle.

But It Ain’t All Sunshine: The Rough Edges

Let’s keep it 100 here—this thing isn’t perfect.

• Dated documentation: Some of the docs look like they were written before the first iPhone dropped. You’ll be cross-referencing old StackOverflow threads like you’re decoding ancient scrolls.

• Not built for Kotlin: It’s a Java-first experience, so if you’re a Kotlin purist, be ready to get your hands a little dirty.

• UI not very “modern”: If you’re aiming for Material Design vibes or super-polished UIs, you’ll need to do some extra legwork to make it look fresh.

Also, while it’s got a solid base, AChartEngine isn’t exactly getting weekly updates. It’s more of a “get in, get your chart, get out” type of deal. Don’t expect fancy animations or plug-and-play theming like you’d get from newer libraries.

Why I Still Recommend It—With a Few Caveats

Would I use AChartEngine for every project? Nope.

But would I use it for simple-to-medium complexity charting tasks on Android, especially when I need control and offline performance?

Absolutely.

I’ve used it in client dashboards, IoT sensor monitors, even a weird little niche app that tracked squirrel sightings (don’t ask—it was a paid gig, okay?). It just works once you know how to wrangle it.

And if you’re the type who actually likes fiddling with configurations and fine-tuning chart aesthetics like a mad scientist in a basement lab? AChartEngine is gonna feel like home.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of AChartEngine

Before you go charging in, here’s what I wish someone had told me:

• Start with a single chart type and get that working before trying to Frankenstein multiple series together.

• Use hard-coded dummy data first. You’ll go insane trying to debug from dynamic sources right off the bat.

• Wrap chart setup in a helper class so you can reuse your rendering logic without copy-pasting spaghetti.

• Keep your expectations grounded. This is not D3.js or MPAndroidChart. But for what it is? It’s a beast.

Final Thoughts: The Hidden Weapon in Your Android Dev Toolbox

AChartEngine isn’t flashy. It’s not trendy. It probably won’t win you any design awards.

But if you’re looking for a no-nonsense, open-source Android charting solution that can handle real-world data without turning your app into a bloated monster, it’s worth a serious look.

Just be ready to roll up your sleeves, swear at your screen a little, and maybe—just maybe—come out on the other side with something that looks pretty damn good.

And hey, if nothing else, you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for how not simple “just add a chart” really is.

The Day I Bet on a Ghost Chain (And Lived to Tell About It)

How I Stumbled Into the Crypto Wild West

Let me take you back to 2016 — picture this: I’m hunched over a rickety desk, half-eaten protein bar in one hand, coffee-stained notebook in the other, chasing the next “hidden gem” in crypto before the big dogs even sniffed it. Bitcoin was booming (ish), Ethereum was catching fire… and I was on a mission. Not for Lambos or moon missions, but for the next big protocol nobody saw coming.

That’s when I tripped over Antshares. Or should I say… Neo before it rebranded itself into something shinier, more “Matrix-y.” Back then, it wasn’t flashy. No polished site. No hype army. Just a weird blue logo, a Chinese dev team, and a dream to digitize assets and build the “Ethereum of China.” Naturally, I was hooked.

Check them out on Ant Shares (@antshare1) / X.

First Impressions: “Wait, Is This Just Ethereum in Mandarin?”

At first, Antshares looked like a knockoff, and I don’t say that to be rude. It was trying to do smart contracts, digital identity, asset tokenization… all the stuff Ethereum was doing — but with a twist: a dual-token system and what they called “Onchain governance.” It felt like I was reading someone’s grad thesis written at 2 AM after a Red Bull bender.

But the tech? Man, the tech had potential.

I spent a weekend reading their whitepaper like it was a sacred scroll. And while the English translation was… let’s just say “Google Translate meets Word Salad,” there were glimmers of brilliance. They had Byzantine Fault Tolerance (dBFT) before it was cool. The promise of instant finality and enterprise partnerships whispered sweet nothings to my greedy little investor brain.

So yeah. I bought in. Antshares was trading under a dollar at the time. I scooped up a bag that, looking back, was more like a backpack stuffed with lottery tickets.

The Rebrand Heard ’Round the World

Then came the pivot.

Antshares became Neo in 2017. Suddenly, this quiet project exploded onto the scene with new branding, slick marketing, and a whole ecosystem push. The price went parabolic. My modest “research-based” investment turned into one of those chartlines that makes your palms sweat and your inner voice scream, “SELL! NO WAIT, HODL!”

Neo claimed to be “the smart economy.” They wanted to bridge traditional finance and blockchain, with digital identity, legally binding smart contracts, and government cooperation.

Cue the hype train. 🚂

NEO was all over crypto Twitter. YouTubers couldn’t stop gushing about it. And for a hot minute, it looked like they might actually pull it off. They even had a decentralized file storage concept, NeoFS, and their own VM. I felt like I was holding the next Apple stock circa 1984.

Reality Bites (Harder Than I Expected)

But then… the cracks started showing.

The developer documentation was a nightmare. I remember trying to explain the GAS token to a buddy of mine and sounding like I was pitching a pyramid scheme at a backyard BBQ. “Okay, so you stake NEO — but it’s not really staking — and you earn GAS, but the amount fluctuates, and the GAS pays for network transactions, except when it doesn’t…”

Also, Neo’s “decentralization” was a bit of a stretch. The consensus nodes were mostly controlled by the Neo Foundation. It felt like a corporate playground masquerading as a revolution.

Updates slowed. Dev interest waned. NEO 3.0 became the running joke — like waiting for Half-Life 3. And that “Ethereum of China” narrative? Let’s just say China’s regulatory hammer didn’t exactly help.

And here’s the thing: for all its promises of smart cities and regulated asset digitization, the actual usage of the chain was minimal. Ghost town vibes. My GAS rewards shrank faster than my faith in the project.

Was It All a Waste? Not Quite.

Now, you might think I’m bitter. And yeah, watching NEO’s price fall from over $160 back to single digits? That stings.

But I don’t regret it.

Because here’s the truth: Antshares/Neo was a moment. It was a pioneer. They were trying to solve problems before they were trendy. Their devs took risks. They launched a new consensus mechanism before everyone else started talking about PoS vs PoW. They even flirted with regulatory integration when the rest of the space was allergic to the word “government.”

Neo wasn’t a scam. It wasn’t vaporware. It just… didn’t scale. It didn’t capture the network effect like Ethereum. It lost steam. Maybe it was the tech. Maybe it was the team. Maybe it was just bad timing.

Whatever the reason, it taught me a hell of a lot more than a green candle ever could.

So… Should You Buy It Now?

Here’s the million-dollar question: Is Neo still worth a look in 2025?

Honestly? It depends on your risk tolerance and your nostalgia levels.

From a pure tech standpoint, Neo still works. Neo N3 launched (finally), with better infrastructure, more decentralization, and support for multiple programming languages. But the ecosystem is small. The devs are quiet. And it doesn’t feel like it’s trying to compete anymore — more like it’s trying to stay alive in a sea of newer, shinier chains.

If you’re chasing 100x moonshots, Neo probably isn’t it. But if you’re the type who respects legacy projects that are still pushing code and haven’t exit-scammed, maybe it earns a tiny corner of your portfolio.

Just don’t expect fireworks. Think of it like vinyl records: not dead, not dominant, but still spinning.

Key Takeaways from a Former Antshares True Believer

• Antshares (now Neo) was early, bold, and at one point, groundbreaking.

• The tech had promise, but real-world adoption lagged behind.

• Neo 3.0 improved things… but not enough to regain its top-tier status.

• It’s no longer the “Ethereum of China” — more like a relic with potential.

• If you’re investing now, it’s for nostalgia, not headlines.

Final Thoughts: Not Every Investment Has to Be a Winner

Investing in Antshares wasn’t my best trade. It wasn’t my worst either. But it was one of the most interesting journeys I’ve ever taken through the crypto jungle.

Would I do it again? Honestly… yeah. Because the best stories never come from playing it safe.

And if you’re still holding NEO in 2025?

You’re not crazy. You’re just loyal.

Or stubborn.

(Which, let’s be real, is basically the same thing in crypto.)

So, You’re Thinking About Selling Your Franchise? Buckle Up.

Here’s What I Learned When I Tried to Go It Alone (Spoiler: It Was a Mess)

That Time I Thought I Could Sell My Business Solo…

So here’s the deal—I used to think I had it all figured out.

I built my business from scratch, wore all the hats (sometimes five at once), and survived more close calls than I care to admit. After a decade of hustle, burnout, and caffeine-fueled 3AM brainstorming sessions, the time finally came: I wanted out.

Not in a “sell everything and live in a van” kind of way (though I did Google camper van renovations more than once). I just wanted to move on, maybe start something new, maybe take a long nap first.

And like any proud, slightly stubborn business owner, I thought, Why pay someone else to do what I can figure out myself?

Cue the dramatic music.

Spoiler Alert: It’s Not as Easy as Listing it on Craigslist

I thought selling my business would be kind of like selling a car. Clean it up, list the specs, slap on a price tag, and boom—interested buyers lining up around the block.

Yeah… no.

What actually happened was more like this:

• I posted in a few online marketplaces.

• Got a flurry of inquiries from “serious buyers” (read: tire kickers and dreamers).

• Spent hours on calls explaining what EBITDA is (bless their hearts).

• And then watched as all momentum fizzled out like flat soda.

Oh, and don’t get me started on pricing. I had no clue what my business was actually worth. One guy offered me a number so low I thought he was joking. He wasn’t.

I started to realize something painful: knowing how to run a business isn’t the same as knowing how to sell one.

The Broker I Swore I Didn’t Need

After a couple of botched conversations and one potential deal that dragged on for three months before collapsing entirely, I was toast. Emotionally. Mentally. Even physically—my back went out from stress, I swear.

A friend of mine (you know, the one who always gives good advice but you rarely listen until it’s too late?) suggested I talk to a broker. I rolled my eyes but figured, what’s one more phone call?

Turns out, it was the call that changed everything.

The broker asked questions I hadn’t even thought about:

• “Have you prepared a CIM?”

• “What’s your add-back strategy?”

• “Do you have clean books?”

I just blinked and nodded like I understood. (Google was my best friend that night.)

Brokers Speak Fluent Buyer

Here’s the thing: a broker doesn’t just list your business. They package it. Like a five-star sushi chef making your tuna tartare look like modern art. They take the raw materials (your numbers, your systems, your story) and frame it in a way that makes sense to the right buyer.

My broker helped me:

• Get a real valuation that wasn’t pulled out of thin air.

• Organize my financials in a way that didn’t look like a shoebox full of receipts.

• Market the business confidentially so my employees didn’t freak out.

• Vet actual buyers instead of wasting time with wannabes.

I mean, imagine dating where your friend filters out all the red flags before you even meet. That’s what a good broker does.

What I Got Wrong (That You Don’t Have To)

I used to think paying a broker’s fee was money down the drain. Like, why should I hand over a percentage of my hard-earned exit?

But here’s the truth: without a broker, I probably would’ve accepted a lowball offer just to get it over with. Or worse, I’d still be stuck in that weird limbo of almost-deals and ghosted emails.

The broker got me multiple offers, handled the awkward conversations I didn’t want to have, and negotiated like a shark in a suit (in the best way). And yeah, they took a cut—but I walked away with a much better deal, and way less stress.

Sometimes it costs money to save your sanity. Worth it.

Selling a Business Is Emotional—Let Someone Else Be the Cold One

Here’s something I didn’t expect: letting go of the business felt like breaking up with a longtime partner. There were moments I got weirdly defensive when buyers poked holes in the business. I even caught myself trying to justify stuff that needed fixing.

A broker doesn’t have that emotional baggage. They’re not sentimental about the logo you designed in your garage or the quirky team traditions you hold dear. They’re focused on the numbers, the market, the deal. And that objectivity is exactly what you need.

They’re like a therapist and a bouncer rolled into one. They listen, they advise, and they keep the nonsense out.

Final Thoughts from a Former Skeptic

Listen, I’m not saying you can’t sell your business without a broker. You absolutely can. Just like you can cut your own hair, represent yourself in court, or build a deck from YouTube tutorials.

But should you?

If your business is worth anything more than a used Honda Civic, you owe it to yourself to get a pro in your corner. Someone who’s been down this road before. Someone who knows what buyers actually want. Someone who isn’t too proud to ask for help—unlike me, circa 2022.

Trust me on this one. Use a broker. Your future self (the one sipping cocktails on a beach or diving headfirst into your next venture) will thank you.

Takeaways:

• why use a broker to sell your business

• benefits of hiring a business broker

• do I need a broker to sell my company

• selling a business without a broker

• how business brokers help with selling a business

Real Talk Summary:
Using a broker might not feel necessary at first, especially if you’re used to doing everything solo. But when it comes to selling your business—the thing you poured your life into—it’s smart to have an expert who knows the game, can talk the talk, and won’t let you walk away with less than what it’s worth.

Don’t learn the hard way like I did. Get help. Sell smart. Then exhale.

Selling your business is a lot like selling your house… except instead of old carpet and questionable plumbing, you’re dealing with P&Ls, buyer egos, and the emotional baggage of letting go of your life’s work.

I’ve been through it. And if you’re reading this, there’s a decent chance you’re staring at a possible sale—or even deep in the weeds already—wondering: How the heck do I not screw this up?

Pull up a chair. Let’s talk shop.

Know Your Numbers Like You Know Your Favorite Takeout Order

Alright, here’s the cold truth: buyers don’t care about how “hard you’ve worked.” They care about how much money your business makes for them once they take over. Harsh? Sure. But fair.

I remember prepping for a meeting with a potential buyer—this was a guy who, I swear, wore a Bluetooth headset like it was a permanent body part. Mid-sentence, he’d say things like, “Run me through the EBITDA again?” as if he wasn’t just texting under the table two seconds ago.

Luckily, I had my financials dialed in. Clean books, updated profit and loss statements, cash flow projections—all wrapped up tighter than my Aunt Linda’s meatloaf.

Pro tip: If you have to explain what a number “probably” means, you’re not ready to negotiate.

Play Poker, Not Go Fish: Timing Matters

When you’re negotiating, don’t show your hand too early. I made that mistake once—got a little too excited, maybe even let the words “we’re really hoping to close this quarter” slip out. Instant leverage shift.

Suddenly the buyer knew I was feeling pressure, and guess what? That first offer came in way below what we discussed. Rookie move.

You want to walk into that room cool, calm, and collected. Even if your inner monologue is screaming, “What if this is the only buyer? What if they walk?”—don’t let it show.

Instead: Ask questions. Gather info. See what kind of buyer you’re dealing with before you start dropping hints about your bottom line.

Don’t Negotiate Alone (Unless You Enjoy Ulcers)

Hiring a business broker or M&A advisor might feel like you’re giving up a cut of your sale price—and technically, you are. But I can’t stress this enough: a great advisor pays for themselves.

I tried to handle one negotiation solo, thinking, “How hard could it be? I’ve been running this place for ten years.” Spoiler alert: it was hard. I got emotionally wrapped up in every back-and-forth, started second-guessing myself, and spent more time trying to interpret emails than actually running my business.

Once I brought in a broker, everything changed. They handled the gritty details, buffered the awkward conversations, and knew exactly when to push and when to pull back. It felt like upgrading from a rusty bike to a Tesla.

Emotions Are Real. Don’t Let Them Drive the Car.

Selling your business is personal. Even if you’re ready to move on, there’s still this little voice that says, “But what if they don’t take care of it? What if they change everything?”

I felt it. Every time a buyer hinted at rebranding or “streamlining” staff, I had to bite my tongue. But here’s the thing: once you sell, it’s not your business anymore. And if you let emotion run the negotiation, you’ll lose sight of the real goal—getting the right deal, not the perfect one.

Let yourself feel it. Talk it out with your spouse, your dog, your mirror—whatever works. But when it comes time to negotiate? Put your CEO hat on.

Price Isn’t Everything (Seriously)

There’s a moment in every negotiation when someone throws out a big number and your heart skips. They want to pay WHAT?!

But pause. Because terms matter more than you think.

Is it an all-cash offer or are they stringing it out over five years? Are there performance-based earnouts? Is there a non-compete that could handcuff your next venture?

I once had a buyer offer 15% more than another group, but the deal included a two-year earnout tied to metrics that made NASA algorithms look simple. No thanks.

The lower offer? It was clean. Cash-heavy. I could walk away with my dignity (and retirement) intact. And I did.

Control the Pace, Not Just the Price

Negotiations can drag. Or worse, they can rush.

Neither extreme is good.

If things are stalling, politely push for timelines. If they’re speeding toward the finish line, don’t let FOMO pressure you into skipping steps. You get one shot to sell this business—make sure you’re doing it right.

I kept a sticky note on my desk that read: “Is this on my timeline?” It helped keep me grounded. Because every buyer has their own agenda. That doesn’t mean you need to play along.

Key Takeaways

• Know your financials backward and forward—vagueness kills credibility.

• Control your emotions, or they’ll control your decisions.

• Never negotiate alone if you don’t have to—brokers are lifesavers.

• Dig into the terms, not just the headline price.

• Buyers will push the pace—don’t be afraid to slow it down.

Final Thoughts: The Exit Isn’t the End

Look, selling your business can feel like breaking up with someone you still care about. It’s weird. Emotional. Sometimes even anticlimactic. But it’s also a transition—a beginning.

I thought I’d miss the daily chaos, the customer emails at 10 PM, the mild panic when payroll hit. Turns out? I like sleeping. I like walking my dog without thinking about vendor contracts. I like freedom.

If you’re gearing up to sell, or already halfway through the process, just remember: negotiating the sale isn’t about winning—it’s about closing the right deal.

And if you ever find yourself staring at a buyer across the table, wondering if you’re saying the right thing, just think of me… nodding silently, mouthing the words:

“You got this.”

Thinking About Going Solo? Here’s the Deal

So, you’ve built something—maybe it’s a boutique coffee shop with the best oat milk lattes in town, or maybe it’s a plumbing business your dad passed down to you that’s been keeping leaky faucets honest since ’94. Either way, it’s your baby.

And now, you’re thinking about selling it. But—and here’s the twist—you don’t want to use a broker.

Bold move, my friend. But not impossible. In fact, I’ve been there. And if I could do it (without pulling every last hair out), so can you.

Why I Ditched the Broker Route

When I first floated the idea of selling my business (an e-commerce store that sold high-end dog accessories—don’t laugh, it paid the bills and bought me a boat), nearly everyone told me the same thing:

“Just get a broker. They’ll handle everything.”

And sure, that sounded easy. Too easy. But the truth is, brokers take a pretty chunky commission—usually somewhere between 10-15%. That’s not small potatoes. That’s Thanksgiving dinner.

I figured: I already built this thing from scratch. I marketed it, scaled it, systematized it. Why couldn’t I sell it too?

Spoiler alert: I could. And you can too. But you’ve got to be sharp, organized, and a little bit gutsy.

Let’s walk through how.

1. Know What Your Business is Worth (Like, Really Worth)

If you asked me back then how much my business was worth, I would’ve shrugged and said something like, “I don’t know… six figures?”

Yeah, no. That’s not gonna cut it.

Buyers want receipts. You need to gather your financials—clean, clear, and legit. That means:

• Profit & Loss Statements (preferably 3 years’ worth)

• Balance Sheets

• Tax Returns

• Owner Add-Backs (i.e., perks and personal expenses you run through the biz)

I used a tool like [BizEquity] or [Equidam] (not sponsored, just useful) to get a rough valuation, then cross-checked it with similar businesses that had sold on Flippa and BizBuySell.

You can hire a professional appraiser if you want an airtight number, but if you’ve got a handle on your books, you might not need to. The trick is to be honest with yourself—don’t let ego write the price tag.

2. Get Your Docs in a Row (Yes, Like a Tiny Duck Parade)

Buyers don’t like messes. They like order. They want to see that your business runs like a well-oiled espresso machine.

What I did was build a “Seller’s Package.” Fancy name, but really it’s just a nice-looking PDF (or Google Drive folder) with all the good stuff:

• Overview of the business

• Summary of financial performance

• List of assets (equipment, inventory, etc.)

• Description of daily operations

• Details about the team (if any)

• Growth opportunities

• Challenges (be real—they’ll find them anyway)

Think of it like online dating. You want to be attractive, but not fake. Authenticity sells.

3. Market Like You Mean It

Without a broker, you’re the marketing department now. So throw on your best sales hat and start promoting.

I listed mine on:

• BizBuySell

• Flippa

• MicroAcquire (now Acquire.com, for techy businesses)

Each one has its own vibe. Flippa felt like Craigslist for businesses. MicroAcquire was more polished, but a bit pickier. BizBuySell got the most eyeballs.

I also tapped my network. Don’t underestimate the power of shooting off a few DMs or LinkedIn messages. A friend of a friend might be looking for exactly what you’re selling.

Pro tip: Create a teaser listing that leaves out the name of the business but highlights what makes it special. Only give the full details after a signed NDA.

4. Vet Your Buyers (Don’t Sell to a Joker)

Okay, this part got weird for me.

Some buyers were serious. Others? Not so much. I had one guy ask if he could pay in crypto and antique watches. (Hard pass.)

Ask good questions:

• Have they bought a business before?

• How are they financing the purchase?

• What’s their timeline?

• Why are they interested?

You’re not just selling a business—you’re selling your business. It’s totally okay to be picky. One bad owner can wreck your legacy faster than you can say “earnout clause.”

5. Negotiate Without Being a Robot

I’m not gonna lie—negotiation is where I started to sweat. I had flashbacks of buying my first used car, stumbling through numbers and hoping I didn’t get played.

Here’s what helped:

• Know your walk-away price and stick to it.

• Be open to seller financing—it can sweeten the deal.

• Keep your emotions out of it (as much as possible).

• Hire a lawyer to review the purchase agreement. Seriously. Do not skip this part.

Oh—and if a buyer starts nitpicking every single detail after agreeing to a price? That’s called re-trading, and it’s usually a red flag. Walk away if needed.

6. Close the Deal (Cue Dramatic Music)

The final stretch. This is where things feel very real. You’ll need to coordinate:

• Asset Purchase Agreement (APA)

• Bill of Sale

• Non-Compete Clause

• Transition Plan (Are you staying on to train them? For how long?)

Once everything’s signed, money changes hands (usually via escrow), and—boom—you’re done.

The day I handed over the keys (okay, digital logins), I sat on my porch with a cold beer and just breathed. It was bittersweet, like watching your kid graduate and move out. But mostly? It felt right.

So, Should You Sell Without a Broker?

Here’s my honest take: it’s not for everyone.

If you hate spreadsheets, suck at sales, or just don’t have the time, a broker can earn their keep.

But if you’re scrappy, organized, and ready to hustle? You can do this. It’s your story. You get to write the final chapter.

No broker required.

Final Thoughts (And a Pep Talk)

Selling your business solo is a little like fixing your own plumbing. It’s messy, intimidating, and full of moments where you question all your life choices.

But it’s also incredibly empowering.

I walked away with more money, more confidence, and zero regrets. And if I can pull it off with nothing more than Google Sheets, good Wi-Fi, and a stubborn streak—so can you.

You’ve got this.

Now go finish strong.