This Common Frustration From Consulting Can Hold You Back

by Scott Sylvan Bell | Jul 27, 2026 | Business Selling Psychology

Direct answer: Consulting frustration is real when you shift from being the expert to being the client. You know your industry cold. Now you take advice instead of giving it. Reconcile what you know with what the advisor knows — get multiple opinions. Filmed in...

The Three Conversations You Owe Your Spouse Before Signing The LOI

by Scott Sylvan Bell | Jul 24, 2026 | Business Selling Psychology

Direct answer: Three conversations to have with your spouse before signing the LOI: what daily life will look like post-sale (identity, grief, boredom), what happens during the earn-out period, and what happens if a competing buyer emerges or the deal collapses...

How The Fear Of Acceptance Can Ruin A Business Exit

by Scott Sylvan Bell | Jul 23, 2026 | Business Selling Psychology

Direct answer: Fear of employee perception stops many business owners from selling — worrying what former employees will think after the sale. This fear is identity-based, not financial, and mitigation is the same as luxury car buyer psychology: prepare mentally...

Why You Need A Therapist On Your Exit Team

by Scott Sylvan Bell | Jul 18, 2026 | Business Selling Psychology

Direct answer: Hire a therapist five, four, three, or two years before selling your business. Post-exit identity shifts amplify existing behaviors — good and bad. Getting professional help before you need it prevents the relationship damage that follows sudden wealth...

The Founder’s Post-Sale Identity Crisis And How To Prepare For It

by Scott Sylvan Bell | Jul 8, 2026 | Business Selling Psychology

Direct answer: Post-sale identity crisis stops good deals from closing. Founders who identify as owners cannot answer “who am I now?” Start the conversation years before exit — therapist, hobbies, service work, and pre-sale friendships prevent the identity...

What Is An Earn Out When Selling A Business And Should You Take One

by Scott Sylvan Bell | Jul 5, 2026 | Business Selling Psychology

Direct answer: An earn out is a conditional payment structure where you receive additional money if the business hits specific targets after sale. Some earn outs are genuine upside opportunities. Some are ego-based bait designed to extract free work from motivated...