Broker by Choice: My Journey into Business Brokering

Broker by Choice: My Journey into Business Brokering

My journey into business broking kicked off in the most unexpected way just over 4 years ago. Although I had always been in the corporate world and sales (and very good at it!) after the birth of my daughter I took some time to reconsider what I wanted to do. I soon stumbled upon a job advertisement for a Part-Time administrative role with Absolute Business Brokers, nice and close to home and had great hours so I could still spend time at home with my young daughter. I quickly applied for the role as something I honestly only planned to do for a few months while contemplating my next career move. 

Little did I know that this starting point would unveil a hidden talent within me. I very quickly began to ask questions to understand more about what I was being asked to do and As I engaged with both buyers and sellers, I quickly realised my combination of background knowledge and my 15 years of sales experience could potentially make me an accomplished business broker. My curiosity and determination had me rapidly absorbing as much information as I could learning from our incredible team who was always willing to answer my questions and talk about the market. I was fortunate to receive mentorship from Elle Likopoulos, our Officer in Effective Control, who became not only a mentor but a valued friend, consistently encouraging my growth and learning journey.

Her unwavering support over the years kept me determined to be the best at what I do and I am beyond thankful for the opportunities that have been given and continue to be given to me. I was very lucky to be in a position where I was supported with my professional development but also respected by my peers and everyone in the office. Despite being the youngest member of the brokerage team, I've never encountered reluctance from my colleagues to offer insights or opinions when I seek guidance.  Rather than trying to use each other to climb to the top I am honoured to be a part of a team who works together to build each other up. Within my first year of business broking, I was one of the top agents at our agency, a finalist for 4 business awards and determined to become one of the best at what I did.    

Now don't get me wrong, business brokering came with its fair share of challenges. From dealing with intricate negotiations to managing the emotions tied to businesses and their owners to having to face the stereotype that I wouldn't be as good at my job as a young female entering a male-dominated industry, each hurdle was a learning experience. Overcoming these challenges has not only strengthened my professional acumen but has also taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability in an ever-evolving industry. 

Selling a business is a roller coaster ride, it starts off slow with months of hard work, planning and working tirelessly with buyers and sellers to ensure they both walk away satisfied and ends with the rush and adrenaline of closing a deal. 

Training through COVID and the pandemic definitely opened my eyes to difficulties that so many business owners faced and those stories and dreams were often crushed because of the unprecedented situation we were all in. The adrenaline rush I previously mentioned was not always there during this time as sales were more often than not one of necessity and not a choice, being there for my clients to support them during this time and offer not only a service but a relationship was very important to me. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of the job is guiding clients through the process of buying or selling a business and listening to the stories behind each sale. More often than not you are not only selling their business but also selling their dreams and something they worked very hard to create. Finding the right buyer who shares the same passion and opening the door to give them an opportunity to build their dream has always been a part of the job I love as you become a part of someone else's story. As they say, when one door closes another opens and Business Broking is all about putting the right person in front of that opening door. 

Looking back, as I reflect on my journey into business brokering, who would've thought that an admin role could be the stepping stone to an exhilarating career as a business broker? I am grateful for the opportunities, lessons, and growth it has brought into my life. I've come to understand that businesses aren't just about spreadsheets and numbers; they're living, breathing stories waiting to be told. From admin to business broker, my path has been an adventure I wouldn't trade for the world. I have not only developed a career but also gained a family being a part of the Absolute Business Brokers team.
 

Tags: business broker growth selling success entrepreneurs small business

About the author

Tina Tzanopoulos

Tina is a determined, hard-working individual who always strives to provide her clients with an exceptional level of dedication to get the job done ...

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