WINTER 2024
Dear IBBA Members, Friends and Colleagues:
I recall twenty-plus years ago, fellow members asking
the questions: “How can we create a greater awareness
that we exist?” and “How do we make more sellers
aware of us and how important our role is?” These
questions have continued over the years and we still
hear them today. But the IBBA has been listening, and
has begun to answer.
Following groundbreaking research into the
perceptions of small business owners, IBBA embarked
on the most significant investment in its history to
begin closing this knowledge and awareness gap
that exists. Clearly, many small business owners
underestimate the complexities involved with selling
a business (o�en to the detriment of themselves,
their employees, and their communities), and/or they
don’t know that a Business Broker is the professional
advisor they need.
To overcome this, IBBA partnered with a professional
digital marketing firm to create and launch
SellYourWay.org, a not for profit, educational website
for business owners that seeks to empower them
with accurate and valuable information on how to
successfully transfer business ownership ( and why
a Business Broker is an essential piece of the puzzle).
So far in 2024, IBBA has invested $235,687.56 in the
campaign and is prepared to invest another $250,000
in 2025.
A MULTIFACETED APPROACH TO EDUCATION.
This initiative is comprehensive, incorporating a
wide array of resources designed to reach business
owners where they are. Experienced members have
developed (and hoping that many more of you will
continue to develop) a series of white papers that
delve into critical topics such as business valuation,
ownership transition, retirement planning and
more. These documents are not only informative
and educational but also practical, offering actionable
advice that business owners can apply to their own
situations. Through quality education they then
begin to understand that Business Brokers are the
credible and trusted advisor they need.
In addition to white papers there have been
newsle�ers, social media posts and press releases
to promote the education and drive visitors to the
website. Once there, they can dive into additional
content, navigate thru the interactive Business Sales
PINO BACINELLO
CBI, MCBI, M&AMI | 2024 IBBA Chair
Looking Back, Moving Forward:
A Journey of Growth and Togetherness