When it comes to buying a business, many people focus on price, profit, or location — but overlook one of the biggest factors in success: EXPERIENCE. In this episode of Business Sales Australia, host Sue Blatchford, from SBX Business Brokers, explains why your experience, or lack of it,  can directly impact your confidence, your credibility, and your ability to make the business work.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or expanding your portfolio, Sue shares real-world insights drawn from decades of helping buyers across hospitality, childcare, eCommerce, manufacturing, retail, and more. From knowing what questions to ask, to preparing for lease approvals, to managing staff post-settlement — this episode is packed with practical advice to help you succeed.

Key Topics Covered

• Why Experience Matters
  
  
  • How your background influences business selection and success
  
  
  
  



• What Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying
  
  
  • Understanding your strengths, preferences, and lifestyle fit
  
  
  
  



• Due Diligence
  
  
  • How experience helps you see beyond the numbers
  
  
  • Common areas experienced buyers investigate that others miss
  
  
  
  



• Preparing a Lease Submission
  
  
  • How to present yourself professionally to a landlord
  
  
  • What documentation to include and why it matters
  
  
  
  



• Taking Over an Existing Business
  
  
  • Why the best operators don’t make big changes too quickly
  
  
  
  



• Buying a Struggling Business
  
  
  • The skills required for a turnaround and what to assess first
  
  
  
  



• Staff Management After Settlement
  
  
  • How experienced buyers build trust and maintain stability
  
  
  
  



• Negotiating the Deal
  
  
  • Terms beyond the sale price that experienced buyers always check
  
  
  
  



• The Power of Vision
  
  
  • Spotting growth opportunities that others overlook
  
  
  
  



• Final Takeaway: Experience Creates Better Outcomes
  
  
  • How to leverage your own experience or build a support network around you
  
  
  
  

Resources Mentioned

• SBX Business Brokers Website: https://www.sbx.com.au


• Current Business Listings: Search by category, region, and price range


• Related Episode: Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Business

Thinking of Buying a Business?

Success doesn’t come down to luck — it comes down to preparation. And experience, whether it’s yours or someone else’s, makes a difference. For more tips, guidance, and industry insights, subscribe to Business Sales Australia or visit sbx.com.au.