These days I hear from many entrepreneurs and owners of family businesses who are thinking about selling their businesses. Some are selling due to health issues. Some have to sell as the owner has passed away. Many business owners tell me that they are thinking of selling because running that business is just not any fun anymore. Others are ready to retire and live the good life.One thing that is important to remember is when the economy is like it has been in the last several years, that is the time to buy, as there are deals out there, albeit the deals have issues with them. Conversely, if you think that you will get top dollar when you sell during this period, be prepared to be disappointed, as there are a lot of people looking for the deal of the century.Another thing to consider is every business for sale has to prepare itself for sale. Prior to placing your home on the market, you may paint the house, change the carpeting, remodel the kitchen, refresh the landscaping, to name a few items. Once those are done, then you would be contacting several brokers to interview them to determine a market plan and price to place on the home.In a similar fashion, there are items to take care of that take time prior to placing the business on the market. First, one of the things that you are selling is your depth of people who work for your company. If the buyer perceives that you are the one that they are “buying” in the purchase, you will receive less out of the purchase and you will probably be expected to work at the company for several years after the sale. If you do have management other than yourself, you may wish to prepare a multi-year employment contract for your key people so that they will still be with the company should it sell during that time frame.Second, you need to get your financial house in order. This means that if you need to sell off or shut down a division which is unprofitable and which is holding back earnings, that may be what you need to do in order to maximize your return from the sale of the entire company. This also means that you need to go over your financial reports with your accountant to clean up any issues that your accountants may have had with your financial statements. Collect those accounts receivable. Keep your financial ratios better than or at least in line with other businesses in your industry. Keep your financial house disciplined.Third, consider what assets to sell. For instance, if your business has real estate that is being used by your core business, consider having that asset in its own separate limited liability company and doing a separate lease at market rental value between the business and the LLC, which will provide you with returns for years to come. Retain your cash.Fourth, clean up and organize your physical plant. If the physical plant or offices are organized and clean, it will reflect well on a potential buyer. This should be part of your normal routine anyway, whether you sell your core business or not.As you can tell, most of the preparation work that you may do up front, prior to your placing the business with a broker or finding a buyer yourself, makes good business sense. Whether you sell or not, you need to run your business in a way that makes the business more profitable, efficient and competitive. Then, especially after this current market passes, you will be ready to find a buyer who will pay you what your business is really worth.

Sometimes we all need a little lift. Whether you’ve had a recent knock to your confidence, have been going through stress in your personal or professional life, or have always struggled with your self-esteem, music is an essential tool for lifting your spirits and making you feel better about yourself.

According to a study by Heriot-Watt University, the type of music you listen to not only influences your mood, but also your personality, with indie and rock/heavy metal fans reporting the lowest levels of self-esteem, while fans of jazz, blues, opera, classical, pop, rap and soul all reported high levels of self-confidence.

So if you’re having a ‘down day’, why not boost your spirits by listening to some powerful, uplifting tracks? Here are five perfect confidence boosters.

Britney Spears – Toxic
Britney’s own struggles with her mental health and conservatorship have made her an inspiration for many people across the world.

This classic song is timelessly sensual, and the heavy beats throughout make it impossible not to dance to. A welcome blast of nostalgia, this tune has filled dance floors across the globe with fans old and new.

The video features Britney as a female spy playing the sexy flight attendant, seducing her passenger before she makes her escape on a motorbike and breaks into a high-security facility guarded by a laser security system.

This track and video is a guaranteed way to feel invincible, and deserves a place on your playlist no matter your mood.

Kelis – Milkshake
A cheesy classic that is guaranteed to make you feel all warm and gooey inside, Kelis pumps up the heat in this 00’s RnB track. Underpinned by intricate drum beats and electric elements, Kelis’ self-confidence is infectious, and it’s hard not to find yourself smiling at the lyrics.

This track is a great way to get into a flirtatious mindset, making it a great choice before going on a date or heading out for the evening.

And if you’re staying in? It’s a great mood lift. But beware! You may find yourself craving a sweet treat.

Eve (ft. Gwen Stefani) – Let Me Blow Your Mind
This RnB classic will capture your attention with its assertive rhythm and powerful vocals from 00’s icons Eve and Gwen Stefani. Featuring a laid-back – yet self-assured – beat, and catchy guitar riff, this is a great track for driving, and its empowering feel is sure to help you feel motivated.

Got a job interview lined up, or thinking of asking for a raise? This anthemic number is a quick way to feel positive and more assertive.

The video features Eve and Gwen Stefani crashing an exclusive event on quad bikes, causing a stir among the privileged attendants, and shoving the performer off stage to perform their own music, before finally being arrested and taken to the station in a police van.

This ‘baddie’ track helps you to tap into the hidden ‘bold’ side of your personality, and lifts your mood while keeping you feeling calm and cool.

Fergie – MILF$
If you have kids, it can be difficult to feel sexy. When you’re running around cleaning the house, changing nappies, or up to your elbows in dishwater, you can easily forget your sensual side – leaving you feeling frumpy and lacking in confidence and motivation.

Thankfully, Fergie’s comeback track is a quick remedy to your low mood and lethargy.

Featuring attractive mothers dressed in curve-hugging latex and silky lingerie going about their daily life in a dreamy, colourful suburbia, this track is a quick way to transform your self-esteem and transport you to a world where you are not just a mother, but a goddess too.

Why not shake off the day and tap into your feminine energy with Fergie, your sexiest PJs, and a bottle of your favourite wine?

Marina And The Diamonds – How To Be A Heartbreaker
Low confidence after a breakup? You’re not alone. Having your heart broken can leave you feeling depressed, undesirable, and unmotivated. So flip the tables on your ex and become a heartbreaker with Marina’s catchy club classic.

This empowering dance track will make you want to move your body and get in touch with your bad girl side, with its heavy beat and pounding rhythms.

Plus, if your libido has suffered as a result of your low mood, take a sneaky peek at the video – it will get your blood pumping with its steamy shower shots and smoking hot male models.