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After exiting my business, I promised myself 2 things: 1. I will never be a W2 employee. 2. I will never build another startup. I didn't keep either promise. (Shock) So, what happened instead? - I sat on the sidelines for a month. - Then jumped right back into a new…

"Your business is UGLY". Imagine a potential buyer saying that about your business. It would hurt, right? But here's the thing about beauty: It's all in the eye of the beholder. Selling your business? Great. But what you see as beautiful might look ugly to a buyer who…

11 things to expect when selling your first business. Here's the truth: Most buyers won’t tell you what it's REALLY like to sell your business. They want you to think it's all sunshine and rainbows. “All cash and a 30-day close” But it never is. So, after helping many…

I just voted, making the choices that I thought were the best for our country… And it’s the first time I ever recalled being overcome by emotion during my vote… Whoever wins, whatever happens, I pray that we can come back together as a nation, appreciate the incredible place…

Founders who sell for BIG money too often sacrifice something priceless in the process: The unique culture they've built. Here's my advice on how to do it differently to preserve your culture. 1. Document Your Cultural DNA: Write down your values, traditions, and…

Not everyone needs to be an "entrepreneur." Here's why: I talked to a friend recently about his job. - How it's going. - What he's working on. - What he gets from it professionally. He's happy. But also frustrated. Why? Because of the growing culture (especially on social…

The highest offer is always the best deal… WRONG. Let me explain: When selling your business, it's tempting to chase the biggest number. But the highest offer isn't always the best deal. Here's why: 𝟏. 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: A buyer whose values align…

If your company is stuck in the digital dark ages, you’re DESTROYING its value. Why? Because it’s like trying to sell a horse and buggy in the age of electric cars. Hard truth: Your outdated tech is slashing millions off your exit value. But here's the good news: Digital…

Founders think selling their business is purely financial. They're wrong. Here's how to prepare for the emotional rollercoaster that lies ahead. 1. Build a support network: Surround yourself with trusted advisors, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs who've been through the…

Is this the future of M&A? (Yes, IMO) I'm talking about Holistic Risk Management. Never heard of that phrase before? Don’t worry, neither had I. Here's why I’ve become a believer: With M&A failure rates hovering between 70-90%, it's clear we need a new approach. So, what is…

Frustrated by a “one-time sales” valuation on your business? They're killing your exit value... (and you don't even realize) Feeling like you don’t know how to pivot the valuation conversation in your favor? Didn’t design your business with a future acquirer in mind? That’s…

If only my dog could use a telescope (it would keep him entertained for hours). Let me explain... We talk to acquirers, search funds, and PE every day… all looking for unicorns walking in plain sight. My dog does the same. Spending all day sitting on the couch hoping that…

Are your BEST employees thinking of jumping ship? Don't let them. Because losing key talent during exit negotiations is a deal-killer. Why? Think about it. Your all-star team is what buyers REALLY want. Lose them? And you might as well kiss that lucrative exit goodbye. The…

I love coaching founder-led businesses as they approach an exit! Even if they're not fully prepared for a formal M&A process, they are great at... ...telling the story of the business. ...articulating their professional "why". ...highlighting the wins. ...and the losses.…

How to AVOID stakeholders breathing down your neck during a business sale. It's all about communication. (or lack of it) Here's how to improve it, so you can focus your efforts on closing the deal: 1) Start Early. Don't wait until the last minute to tell people what's going…

Are you a founder, entrepreneur, or executive in a privately held business? Ever wondered what your company could be worth in 10 years? $5 million? $100 million? Try this: It's all about creating objective measures of future performance. Here's my approach: Step 1: Create…

Is your company culture KILLING your exit chances? Newsflash: Your office perks aren't fooling anyone. Here's why your company's vibe matters more than you think: 1. It keeps your rockstars from fleeing during transitions. 2. It fuels the innovation that makes buyers swoon.…

Is your company's STORY worth millions? In M&A, a compelling narrative can be the difference between a good exit and a great one. Here's why your story matters: - It creates emotional buy-in from potential buyers. - It justifies your valuation beyond just the numbers. - It…

I love coaching founder-led businesses as they approach an exit! Even if they're not fully prepared for a formal M&A process, they are great at... ...telling the story of the business ...articulating their professional "why" ...highlighting the wins ...and the losses ...and…

How to build a BILLION dollar business. (Hint: it's not what you think) Everyone's chasing that unicorn status, right? But there is no magic formula. Just ask the Airbnb founders. Back in 2009, they were barely scraping by on $200 a week. Split three ways. Ouch. So what…