Very, Very good question J.R....I am curious as to what you did with this question? Did you put your business on the market? Did you sell your business? Where you able to keep it confidential?

Hi JR,
Using a business broker is the easiest way to keep the sale confidentialand and get the marketing you need. Here at Vested sellers confidentiality is our priority. Check out our website and if you want to talk on a more personal level call me. You can find me under Brokers. Desiree

Web reference: www.vestedbb.com

Hello JR,
Being that I am a business broker I would recommend using a broker for a host of reasosn.A good broker has his or her feet to the street so to speak weekly meeting buyers and sellers.I do this 100% of the time.For a fee of roughly 10% of the transaction you will likely get more than you would have on your own,have a designated person do the work andf screen the real buyers from the tire kickers.
Lastly there is alot of marketing to do and it takes time effort and money.

Are you planning to sell the business yourself or hire an experienced business broker? If you do it yourself, you'll have to be very careful about conversations around employees, vendors and customers. And it can be tough to operate your business, run 'blind' ads, screen buyers to find one that is qualified, answer endless questions and keep it all quiet....not to mention keeping your emotions in tact when negotiations begin.
If you hire an experienced business broker/advisor ....especially if that person is a Certified Business Intermediary through the International Business Brokers Association, he or she will know how to market your business confidentially and find buyers that are qualified. And you'll be able to focus on your business to maintain the sales and profitability that the right buyer wants to see.
Good luck to you!

Keep it a secret from everyone save a few people that you completely trust. Like your CPA, Attorney, and spouse. Beyond that....tell no one.

Confidentiality is critical in virtually all transactions. Of course, that is one of the reasons to use a business broker. The broker can advertise your business and shield your name and phone number from the buyer. Of course, information should only be disclosed after obtaining a non disclosure agreement and only then to qualified buyers. Additionally, information should be released in stages. For example, a customer list might be the very last piece of information given to the buyer before closing. Or, perhaps the customer list is even escrowed and provided to the buyer after the closing for those more sensitive transactions.