Even with the most careful handling rumors are unavoidable. People asking if the rumor is true that "I heard your business is for sale" may approach even a business owner whose business is not for sale!

To handle this situation, you must decide how to muffle the business-for-sale buzz even if you have taken precautions. Even when no one has breached confidentiality, the subject of the business-for-sale may still come up.

When you least expect it, someone will ask, "Is your business for sale?" Or, they will tell you that they heard that it is!

To respond to the business-for-sale question or comment, you need to anticipate the question so that the elements of surprise is not on the busybody's side.

Prepare and practice a truthful answer in advance so it appears to be spontaneous. Even if you don't regard "little white lies" as morally wrong, you would do well to avoid answers that have the potential to create future problems. The busybody might be a genuine buyer.

One good response is to confirm that buyers have approached you over the years and that such informal discussions often cause the outbreak of rumors. Another approach is to laugh it off with the "everything's for sale at a price" comment.

The best response developed over the years is a combination response. A good combination response is: "Sure, I'll always talk to someone who wants to buy me out! Did you bring your cheque book?".