What should I look for in how a broker plans to market my listing?

Ask for specifics rather than accepting a general description of "we'll find you a buyer." A concrete plan should cover where and how the business will be advertised, whether identifying details will be kept confidential in early marketing materials (often through a "blind" profile that describes the business without naming it), how prospective buyers will be screened and required to sign a confidentiality agreement before receiving sensitive information, and how the broker's existing buyer network fits into the plan.

Pay particular attention to confidentiality: marketing a business for sale can create real risk if it reaches employees, customers, competitors, or suppliers before you're ready, so understand exactly what information goes out at each stage and to whom. Ask how the broker will report on activity so you can actually judge whether the plan is being executed, not just proposed. A vague answer here is a meaningful signal — a broker with real experience should be able to walk you through their process in concrete terms. A Treadstone business lawyer can help make sure confidentiality commitments discussed verbally are actually reflected in the listing agreement.