Finding the right SMB acquisition deal is more than just a notion.
It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack... if the haystack was the size of Texas and the needle kept moving. 😂🙃
The search can break you
It can keep you up at night scrolling through a graveyard of broker listings.
We’ve all been there and I've got some tips to keep you sane while you're out there hustling:
𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿. Seriously, start a wall of "no's". Each one gets you closer to that elusive "yes".
𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 "𝗪𝗵𝘆". Write it down. Tattoo it on your forehead (backwards, so you can read it in the mirror). When things get tough, that's your source of motivation.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗠𝗕 𝗠&𝗔 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽. These are the people who won't look at you weird when you start talking about EBITDA at a party.
𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸, 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳&𝗰𝗸'𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝗸𝗲. The deals will still be there when you get back. Promise. So be kind to yourself.
𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗻𝗼𝗯. That "ugly duckling" business might just turn into your golden goose.
In SMB M&A, persistence isn't just key - it's the whole damn locksmith shop.
Keep at it, and one day you'll be the one posting about your epic acquisition and I'll be here to cheer on your continued success!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some haystacks to sift through.
-Michelene
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PS: Do you want to grow through acquisition by closing higher-quality deals faster and without competiton?
I provide off-market “transaction ready” M&A targets delivered in 14-days for founders, corporate development executives, family offices, private equity, and search fund professionals.
Let's chat.
Investor Relations at Centerbridge Partners, L.P.
1moWell done Dylan Gans