“This is a late parrot! It’s a stiff! Bereft of life, it rests in peace! If you hadn’t nailed it to the perch, it would be pushing up daisies!”
— John Cleese, Monty Python’s Dead Parrot Sketch
In this classic Monty Python scene, John Cleese storms into a pet shop, furious that the parrot he just bought is, well… very much dead.
Michael Palin, the shop owner, insists otherwise. He rattles the cage. He waves the lifeless bird around. He tries to convince Cleese that the parrot is simply resting—ignoring the fact that its feet are nailed to the perch.
Hilarious? Absolutely.
But in business? Not so funny.
The “Dead Parrot” Mistake in Business Sales
Too many business owners pull a Dead Parrot routine when trying to sell their company.
Some do it on purpose—trying to gloss over problems, hoping buyers don’t notice.
Others do it out of fear—afraid to reveal weak spots, thinking they can keep issues hidden behind closed doors.
Here’s the reality:
Unless the buyer is a total moron, he or she will find the dead parrot.
And when they do?
- Best case: They demand a massive discount.
- Worst case: They walk away, and now word is out that your business is for sale. Key employees start mentally checking out, suppliers and customers explore alternatives, and suddenly… your company is worth even less.
If the Parrot Is Dead… It’s Dead. Own It.
Instead of hiding problems, own them.
Be upfront about challenges, but focus on what makes your business valuable:
- Growth opportunities that make the business exciting.
- Unique assets that justify a premium price.
- Clean documentation so the buyer knows everything is in place for a smooth transition.
Selling a business isn’t about nailing the bird to the perch and hoping no one notices. It’s about showing why it’s worth buying in the first place.
Want to make sure you’re set up for success?
Start by positioning yourself and your business to successfully address the four key questions investors ask—which you can find inside the free Owners Club.
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P.S. I’m not the “systems guy”, process guy” or the “finance guy”. I’m the “start living your best life today” guy, where you grow a business that gives you freedom now and lets you exit on your own terms later.
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