Episodes

  • How Jamil acquired a $4.5 million business with zero personal investment

    How Jamil acquired a $4.5 million business with zero personal investment
    Nov 7 2024

    In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jamil shares his journey from a career as a paramedic to owning a $4.5 million revenue business without using his own money.

    He explains his decision to leave a lucrative corporate career to pursue business acquisitions, detailing his process of selecting and acquiring a business in the fire safety sector, which is recession-resistant and ripe for innovation.

    Jamil describes the negotiations and the structuring of the deal that involved retaining some equity for the sellers. He also discusses the importance of joining Mastermind for guidance and networking, ultimately emphasising the value of investing in self-education for successful business acquisitions.

    Key moments

    01:03 Upcoming Events and Opportunities

    02:10 Meet Jamil: A Successful Acquisition Story

    03:00 Jamil's Background and Journey

    09:30 Choosing the Right Business Sector

    13:19 The Acquisition Process

    22:58 Negotiating the Deal Structure

    23:48 Justifying Personal Investment

    24:58 Finalizing the Agreement

    26:19 The Importance of Immediate Action

    28:10 Reflecting on the Journey

    29:01 Navigating Deal Changes

    32:39 Securing Financing

    37:41 Completion Day Challenges

    39:27 Post-Completion Reflections

    39:47 The Value of Mastermind

    ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

    If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

    Ready to get started?

    Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

    Download our free Business Buying Toolkit
    https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit

    Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme
    https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast

    Already bought a business?

    if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Cara's journey: Transforming salon business through acquisitions

    Cara's journey: Transforming salon business through acquisitions
    Oct 31 2024

    In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan continues his discussion with Cara as she shares her experience of expanding her salon business from a few part-time staff to a seven-location enterprise.

    Cara discusses the challenges faced post-acquisition, including managing staff behaviour, implementing new management structures, and overcoming initial cash flow issues. She emphasises the importance of having a solid company structure, HR, and finance management to ensure smooth operations.

    Cara also highlights the benefits of rapid business growth through acquisitions, allowing her to reduce the financial stresses of organic growth. Finally, she encourages listeners to consider joining the Mastermind program, attributing her success partly to the structured guidance it offers.

    Key moments

    01:03 Upcoming Events and Opportunities

    01:44 Cara's Business Journey: Part 2

    02:51 Post-Acquisition Challenges

    04:51 Implementing Management and HR Solutions

    07:02 Financial Management and Centralization

    21:35 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

    24:59 The Value of Mastermind Program

    27:01 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

    ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

    If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

    Ready to get started?

    Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

    Download our free Business Buying Toolkit
    https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit

    Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme
    https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast

    Already bought a business?

    if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Cara's story of growth and transformation

    Cara's story of growth and transformation
    Oct 24 2024

    In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan Jay talks with Cara, a successful student of his Mastermind program. Initially owning a single beauty salon with an annual revenue of £150,000, Cara expanded to seven salons with a revenue of £1.3 million in just over a year.

    Cara shares her journey of buying businesses without hefty initial investments, her strategy for growth, and the personal transformation she underwent through the process.

    The discussion highlights key insights into negotiating deals, leveraging marketing strategies, and navigating the challenges of business expansion. Cara emphasizes the significance of mindset, strategic planning, and the network benefits provided by the Mastermind group in achieving business success.

    Key moments

    01:23 Upcoming Events and Opportunities

    02:21 Introducing Cara's Success Story

    02:41 Cara's Journey: From One Salon to Seven

    04:56 The First Deal: No Money Down

    10:05 Challenges and Growth in Business Acquisition

    15:35 Transition to Delegation

    16:16 Personal Growth and Leadership

    18:55 Future Plans and Ambitions

    19:40 Mindset and Overcoming Doubts

    21:32 The Power of Networking

    24:06 Evolving Deal-Making Skills

    28:37 Facing Challenges and Staying Resilient

    29:38 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

    If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

    Ready to get started?

    Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

    Download our free Business Buying Toolkit
    https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit

    Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme
    https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast

    Already bought a business?

    if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Navigating post-acquisition challenges with Steven

    Navigating post-acquisition challenges with Steven
    Oct 10 2024

    In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan talks with Steven about the complexities and challenges faced after acquiring businesses. Topics include cultural integration, logistical challenges, management of cash flow, and the importance of consolidating back-office functions like HR and finance.

    Steven also shares his experiences dealing with change management, maintaining personnel trust, and managing cultural differences across acquired companies. They discuss the future goals for the businesses and the strategies used for growth and eventual exit plans.

    Key moments

    01:03 Upcoming Events and Opportunities

    01:45 Introduction to Stephen's Journey

    02:04 Challenges of Business Integration

    03:08 Stephen's Onboarding Experience

    04:11 Managing Bank Accounts and Cashflow

    07:58 Consolidating Finances and HR

    10:38 Insights from Private Equity

    20:38 Dealing with Cultural Differences

    22:45 Stephen's Personal Involvement and Future Vision

    25:56 Is It All Worth It?

    ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

    If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

    Ready to get started?

    Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

    Download our free Business Buying Toolkit
    https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit

    Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme
    https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast

    Already bought a business?

    if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Steven's acquisitions in digital marketing

    Steven's acquisitions in digital marketing
    Oct 10 2024

    In this episode of the Business Buying Strategies podcast, Jonathan introduces listeners to Steven, a Mastermind member focused on digital marketing acquisitions. Celebrating 25 years since Jonathan's first M&A deal, the episode offers insights into Steven’s journey of acquiring and managing businesses from abroad.

    With discussions on negotiation tactics, managing distressed companies, and the importance of deal flow, Steven shares his learnings and experiences in acquiring functional creative agencies and the intricacies of navigating acquisition challenges and successes.

    Remember to take advantage of Jonathan's free business buying toolkit, which is available on our website, and learn the significance of doing deals with the right support and mindset.

    Key moments

    01:03 Upcoming Events and Mastermind Enrollment

    01:47 Meet Steven: Building a Group of Digital Marketing Companies

    02:28 Steven's Acquisition Journey: From First Deal to Today

    03:59 Challenges of Running Businesses Remotely

    05:58 Joining Mastermind and Networking Benefits

    07:38 First Conversations and Learning Curves

    12:09 Navigating Distressed Acquisitions

    18:30 Challenges and Successes in Business Acquisition

    18:50 Smooth Sailing with Recent Deals

    19:33 The Importance of Experience and Alignment

    20:39 Current Deal Flow and Future Plans

    20:55 Negotiating Price and Terms

    23:13 The Dealmakers Process: Phone vs. Zoom

    26:12 Deciding Price and Managing Expectations

    31:52 The Importance of Knowledge and Structured Approach

    36:08 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    37:06 Conclusion and Resources

    ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

    If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

    Ready to get started?

    Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

    Download our free Business Buying Toolkit
    https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit

    Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme
    https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast

    Already bought a business?

    if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Smart Business Buying - Avoiding Personal Financial Risks

    Smart Business Buying - Avoiding Personal Financial Risks
    Oct 3 2024
    In this episode of the Business Buying Strategies Podcast, Jonathan and Ed discuss the advantages of using external financing for business acquisitions instead of personal funds, and why you should never risk personal assets. They discuss strategies for using other people's money through diverse funding sources, challenging the broker narrative that necessitates being a cash buyer. Rob from Canada shares his experience pivoting from British food shops to acquiring coffee shops, emphasising the importance of having a strategy and being confident in the buying process. Jonathan also provides insights into choosing the right size and location for a first business acquisition, advocating for larger, locally-based businesses with established management structures. Key moments 01:26 Why You Shouldn't Use Personal Finance for Business Acquisitions 04:30 Financing Business Acquisitions with Other People's Money 08:21 Refinancing and Restructuring Business Deals 10:49 Interview with Rob from Canada: Switching to Coffee Shops 23:00 Determining the Right Size for Your First Business Acquisition

    ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

    If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

    Ready to get started?

    Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

    Download our free Business Buying Toolkit
    https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit

    Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme
    https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast

    Already bought a business?

    if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Business acquisition - avoiding the common pitfalls

    Business acquisition - avoiding the common pitfalls
    Sep 26 2024
    In this episode of the Business Buying Strategies podcast, Jonathan discusses the critical difference between buying a business and merely buying a job. We conclude the discussion about the psychology and expectations of both buyers and sellers, featuring insights on maintaining a strategic mindset to avoid becoming trapped in day-to-day operations. Jonathan emphasises the importance of acquiring businesses that are large enough to support management, thus allowing buyers to focus on growth rather than operations. The conversation also touches on practical considerations such as ensuring cash flow and understanding the true financial health of a business. Jonathan is joined by an experienced accountant, Johan, who offers advice on sense-checking potential acquisitions, highlighting the importance of cash flow over profit figures. Johan also shares practical tips for using modern accounting systems to facilitate smoother due diligence processes. Key moments 01:32 Avoiding the Trap of Buying a Job 03:35 The Importance of Management in Business Acquisition 06:52 Mindset and Strategy for Successful Deal Making 11:44 Psychology and Expectations of Buyers and Sellers 15:35 Building Confidence and Control in Negotiations 22:28 Understanding the Business Sales Process 25:48 The Role of Accountants in Business Acquisition

    ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

    If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

    Ready to get started?

    Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

    Download our free Business Buying Toolkit
    https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit

    Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme
    https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast

    Already bought a business?

    if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Understanding the Psychology and Process Behind Business Acquisitions

    Understanding the Psychology and Process Behind Business Acquisitions
    Sep 19 2024
    In this episode of the Business Buying Strategies Podcast, Jonathan delves into the psychology and expectations of both buyers and sellers in the business acquisition process. He emphasises the importance of having a structured system and understanding the emotional dynamics at play. The episode also features insights from Andrew, who scaled his business by acquiring five others and discusses best practices for managing acquisitions. The discussion also highlights the critical post-acquisition phase, detailing strategies for smooth transitions and maintaining business value. Key moments 01:36 Understanding Buyer and Seller Psychology 02:44 Emotions in Business Deals 04:21 Seller's Fears and Hopes 06:03 Buyer's Fears and Hopes 06:47 Motivations Behind Business Sales 13:16 Andrew's Acquisition Journey 15:48 The Importance of Deal Flow 24:14 Post-Acquisition Challenges

    ** Looking for a great acquisition lawyer in the UK? Use mine! **

    If you are looking for a lawyer in the UK to help you get the deal over the line, then use my own lawyer, John Andrews. You can phone his office at (0345) 2412494 or email him at johnandrews.deallawyer@jmw.co.uk.

    Ready to get started?

    Here’s how you can start your business buying journey…

    Download our free Business Buying Toolkit
    https://dealmakers.co.uk/business-buying-toolkit

    Join our Business Acquisition FastTrack programme
    https://www.dealmakers.co.uk/fast

    Already bought a business?

    if you've already bought a business, you should be part of my Inner Circle group where we discuss raising capital, integration management, and exiting. Email Maria on hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins