The M&A Mastermind Podcast

In this episode, Nick Olsen interviews Scott Bushkie, the founder of Cornerstone International Alliance, about what makes a good M&A advisor and the importance of hiring the right people. Scott shares his experience of starting Cornerstone and the challenges he faced in hiring the right team. He emphasizes the importance of building trust with clients and having a team with the right mindset and skillsets. Scott also discusses the benefits of using behavioral science in the hiring process and how it has helped his firm. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance of hiring the right advisors and the impact it can have on the success of an M&A practice. In this conversation, Scott Bushkie and Nick Olsen discuss the importance of hiring the right team and building a strong infrastructure in the M&A industry.  They emphasize the need for a team of experts who can handle different aspects of the business, allowing for a better quality of life and more efficient processes. They also highlight the importance of focusing on what you do best and delegating other tasks to team members who excel in those areas. Scott shares his experience of building a successful team at Cornerstone Business Services and the impact it has had on his own role within the company. They also discuss the benefits of being part of a network like the Cornerstone International Alliance (CIA) and the value of collaboration and knowledge sharing among industry professionals. Tune in now and elevate your understanding of M&A dynamics with the podcast that delivers actionable insights and unlocks the door to new possibilities. To learn more about M&A trends and insights, please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast. New episodes go live every Thursday at 9 am CST.   Some Key takeaways include: Hiring the right M&A advisors is crucial for the success of an M&A practice. Building trust and rapport with clients is essential in the M&A industry. Having a team with the right mindset, skillsets, and values is important for success. Using behavioral science in the hiring process can improve the chances of hiring the right advisors. Hiring the right team and building a strong infrastructure is crucial in the M&A industry. Delegating tasks to team members who excel in those areas allows for better quality of life and more efficient processes. Focusing on what you do best and hiring experts in other areas leads to better outcomes. Being part of a network like the Cornerstone International Alliance (CIA) provides opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.   About the show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice. The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more. With host Nick Olsen, each episode's "mastermind" will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:06 Building Trust and Rapport in the M&A Industry 05:28 The Role of Mindset and Skillsets in M&A 07:46 Using Behavioral Science in the Hiring Process 15:01 Implications of Not Hiring the Right Fit 18:14 Transitioning to a Structured Hiring Process 20:04 Current Firm Structure and Roles 22:52 The Importance of Hiring the Right Team 24:47 Quality of Life and Overcommitment 29:02 Building a Strong Infrastructure 35:04 The Benefits of Collaboration 38:43 Advice for M&A Firm Owners   Keywords: M&A advisor, hiring, team building, trust, behavioral science, M&A, team building, infrastructure, quality of life, efficiency, delegation, expertise, Cornerstone Business Services, Cornerstone International Alliance, collaboration, knowledge sharing

Michael Klumpp, a member of Cornerstone International Alliance, discusses the importance of having a strong footprint in the US for technology companies looking to sell. He emphasizes the need for timing in the technology sector and advises potential sellers to look for market activity and growth rates when considering a sale. Klumpp also shares insights on finding the best buyer, deal structures in the IT space, and the challenges of selling a company with high customer concentration. He highlights the importance of having clients and a mix of profitability and growth to attract buyers. Tune in now and elevate your understanding of M&A dynamics with the podcast that delivers actionable insights and unlocks the door to new possibilities. To learn more about M&A trends and insights, please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast. New episodes go live every Thursday at 9 am CST.   Some Key takeaways include: Having a strong footprint in the US is crucial for technology companies looking to sell. Timing is key in the technology sector, and sellers should consider market activity and growth rates. Finding the best buyer involves approaching both strategic buyers and private equity companies. Deal structures in the IT space are becoming more complex, often involving vendor notes, earn-outs, and rollover equity. Selling a company with high customer concentration can be challenging, but finding the right buyer is possible with perseverance and a strong network. Companies without clients and only one product face a high failure rate in the market, and it is important to focus on achieving a mix of profitability and growth.   About the show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice. The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more. With host Nick Olsen, each episode's "mastermind" will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.   Chapters 01:58 Introduction 03:14 The Importance of a Strong Footprint in the US for Technology Companies 05:17 Timing and Market Activity in the Technology Sector 11:46 Finding the Best Buyer: Strategic vs. Private Equity 18:19 Complex Deal Structures in the IT Space 27: 01 Challenges of Selling a Company with High Customer Concentration 31:20 The Importance of Clients and a Mix of Profitability and Growth   Keywords: M&A, deal making, technology industry, M&A, sell side, buyer, deal structure, customer concentration, growth rate, profitability

In this episode, host Nick Olsen sits down with Sharon Heaton as she discusses the art of successful M&A transactions and the importance of understanding the human side of deal making. She emphasizes that M&A is not just about the numbers, but also about the emotional attachment and life transition for the seller. Sharon highlights the need for M&A advisors to address the fear and uncertainty that sellers experience and to provide guidance and support throughout the process. She also emphasizes the importance of choosing buyers who have emotional intelligence and respect for the seller's accomplishments. Overall, the conversation explores the psychological aspects of M&A and the role of empathy in successful deal making. Tune in now and elevate your understanding of M&A dynamics with the podcast that delivers actionable insights and unlocks the door to new possibilities. To learn more about M&A trends and insights, please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast. New episodes go live every Thursday at 9 am CST.   Some Key takeaways include: M&A is not just about the numbers, but also about the emotional attachment and life transition for the seller. M&A advisors need to address the fear and uncertainty that sellers experience and provide guidance and support throughout the process. Choosing buyers with emotional intelligence and respect for the seller's accomplishments is crucial. Understanding the human side of deal making and practicing empathy can lead to successful M&A transactions.     About the show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice. The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more. With host Nick Olsen, each episode's "mastermind" will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:34 The Art of Successful M&A Transactions 06:11 Addressing Fear and Uncertainty in M&A 08:46 Choosing Buyers with Emotional Intelligence 14:34 Understanding the Human Side of Deal Making 17:53 Exploring Different Deal Structures 20:42 Addressing the Emotional Side of Selling a Business 26:53 The Importance of Transparency in M&A Transactions 31:06 Key Takeaways and Conclusion   Keywords: M&A, deal making, art, finance, emotional attachment, life transition, fear, uncertainty, guidance, support, emotional intelligence, empathy, transparency, emotional readiness, due diligence

In this episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen sits down with Andrew Perlmutter, founder of PE Marketplace, discusses the platform he created to facilitate transactions in the lower middle market. The platform aims to connect buyers and sellers in the 1 to 50 million enterprise value range. Perlmutter explains that the increased emergence of private buyers in the M&A space is driven by factors such as population demographics and the growth of family offices and independent sponsors. PE Marketplace helps M&A advisors by pre-vetting buyers and providing a standardized teaser process, making it easier to find quality potential buyers. The platform also plans to incorporate AI to improve the matching process and offer additional services to users. Tune in now and elevate your understanding of M&A dynamics with the podcast that delivers actionable insights and unlocks the door to new possibilities. To learn more about M&A trends and insights, please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast. New episodes go live every Thursday at 9 am CST.    Some Key takeaways include: PE Marketplace is a platform that connects buyers and sellers in the 1 to 50 million enterprise value range in the lower middle market. The increased emergence of private buyers in the M&A space is driven by factors such as population demographics and the growth of family offices and independent sponsors. PE Marketplace helps M&A advisors by pre-vetting buyers and providing a standardized teaser process, making it easier to find quality potential buyers. The platform plans to incorporate AI to improve the matching process and offer additional services to users.   About the show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice. The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more. With host Nick Olsen, each episode's "mastermind" will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background of PE Marketplace 04:06 The Trend of Private Buyers in the M&A Space 09:36 The Value of Time and Efficiency in the M&A Process 13:25 The Role of Technology, AI, and Standardization in M&A 25:05 How to Connect with PE Marketplace and Test the Platform 28:15 The Elevator Pitch for Using PE Marketplace 31:07 Closing Remarks and Call to Action   Keywords: M&A, lower middle market, private equity, PE Marketplace, platform, buyers, sellers, private buyers, search funds, family offices, independent sponsors, strategic buyers, technology, AI, efficiency

In this enlightening episode of the M&A Mastermind podcast, host Nick Olsen engages with Mike Mensch, CEO and founding partner of Agency Brokerage Consultants, to delve into the crucial topic of value creation in M&A. Mike emphasizes the significance of a value creation mindset, advocating for business owners to consistently focus on enhancing their company's worth. The discussion covers the key motivators driving business owners and the common challenges they encounter while striving for growth. Listeners will gain insights into the four pillars of value creation—strategy, systems, culture, and finances. Mike provides practical solutions to typical issues faced by professional services firms and shares expert advice on scaling an M&A practice. The episode wraps up with a compelling conversation on the advantages of investing in employees to drive long-term success. Tune in now and elevate your understanding of M&A dynamics with the podcast that delivers actionable insights and unlocks the door to new possibilities. To learn more about M&A trends and insights, please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast. New episodes go live every Thursday at 9 am CST.   Some Key takeaways include: Always think about increasing the value of your business and have a long-term mindset. Identify the main motivators for your business and understand why they are important. The four pillars of value creation are strategy, systems, culture, and finances. Common challenges in growing a business include owner dependence, lack of growth, bad business model, and poor sales management. Invest in your employees and create a training program to develop their skills and knowledge. Building a strong culture is essential for business growth. Consider transitioning from a 1099 contractor model to an employee model to create more value in your firm. Invest in systems, processes, and technology to scale your business. Develop a continuity plan to de-risk owner dependence. Partner with experts to provide solutions for common issues in your industry.   About the show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice. The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more. With host Nick Olsen, each episode's "mastermind" will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.   Chapters: 00:00Introduction and Background 02:59The Value Creation Mindset 07:40Challenges in Business Growth 11:39The Four Pillars of Value Creation 19:19Building a Strong Culture 21:24Managing Finances for Growth 27:38Common Issues in Professional Services Firms 32:31Scaling Up an M&A Practice 35:38Investing in Employees for Long-Term Success 38:47Transitioning to an Employee Model   Keywords: Mergers and Acquisitions, M&A, Investment banking, Corporate finance, Sell-side, Valuation, Due diligence, How to sell my business, M&A market trends, M&A advisors, value creation mindset, business growth, strategy, systems, culture, finances, professional services, scaling up, investing in employees

In this episode of the M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen sits down with Stu Noel, the Director of Business Development at Compass Group. Together, they explore the pivotal role of relationship-building in the M&A industry. Stu shares Compass Group's thesis-driven strategy for identifying promising investment opportunities and stresses the importance of collaboration, transparency, and open communication in forging successful partnerships. Listeners will gain valuable insights into aligning seller's goals with post-close plans and the critical role intermediaries play in the deal-making process. Tune in to learn about the nuances of trust and rapport that can make or break M&A deals. Tune in now and elevate your understanding of M&A dynamics with the podcast that delivers actionable insights and unlocks the door to new possibilities. To learn more about M&A trends and insights, please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast. New episodes go live every Thursday at 9 am CST.    Some Key takeaways include: Building strong relationships is crucial in the M&A industry. Compass Group uses a thesis-driven approach to identify investment opportunities. Collaboration, transparency, and open communication are key to successful partnerships. Understanding the seller's desires and aligning them with post-close plans is essential. Trust and rapport with intermediaries play a significant role in the deal-making process.   About the show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice. The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more. With host Nick Olsen, each episode's "mastermind" will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:09 About Compass Group 07:52 Thesis-Driven Approach and Investment Theses 11:13 Building Relationships with Intermediaries 23:01 Developing Personal Relationships 29:27 Identifying Trusted Intermediaries 35:43 Conclusion and Call to Action     Keywords: Mergers and Acquisitions, M&A, Investment banking, Corporate finance, Sell-side, Valuation, Due diligence, How to sell my business, M&A market trends, M&A advisors, relationships, collaboration, transparency, thesis-driven approach, investment opportunities, intermediaries, trust

In this episode of The M&A Mastermind Podcast, host Nick Olsen sits down with Patrick Burke, a certified Petra coach, to explore the intricacies of the M&A space and the essential steps for business owners preparing for a successful exit. Patrick brings a wealth of knowledge with his background in psychology, law, finance, investment banking, and even owning restaurants. Patrick dives into how Petra coaches help business owners reduce owner dependency and establish a solid foundation for scaling their businesses. He underscores the importance of preparing for a sale, managing the associated fears, and maintaining ongoing discussions and planning for a seamless transition. Tune in now and elevate your understanding of M&A dynamics with the podcast that delivers actionable insights and unlocks the door to new possibilities. To learn more about M&A trends and insights, please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast. New episodes go live every Thursday at 9 am CST.    Some Key takeaways include: Reducing owner dependency is crucial for preparing a business for sale. Running a business as if you're going to sell it helps create a strong foundation and more options for the future. Integration is a critical phase in M&A deals and having a strong operational framework in place can help ensure success. Coaching and support are important for business owners during the emotional process of selling a business. Ongoing discussions and planning are necessary to prepare for a successful exit. Petra coaches work with businesses with revenue ranging from 5 million to 100 million and emphasize the importance of having an executive team in place. Accountability is crucial for business owners to stay on track and achieve their goals. The two-coach model used by Petra ensures that coaching is not reliant on one person and provides additional support to keep the process on track.   About the show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice. The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more. With host Nick Olsen, each episode's "mastermind" will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:19 Patrick's Work with Petra and Owning Restaurants 08:03 Preparing for a Successful Exit 10:09 Reducing Owner Dependency 18:32 The Importance of Integration in M&A Deals 20:37 Supporting Business Owners Through the Emotional Process of Selling 21:07 Integrating Petra's System into the Culture of the Business 23:07 Working with Business Owners: Typical Clients and Getting Started 24:30 Differentiating Petra from EOS: Focus on Executive Teams 25:27 Reducing Owner Dependency and Increasing Enterprise Value 31:45 Identifying Opportunities for Business Improvement 34:05 Tactics to Increase Enterprise Value 36:07 The Role of Mentors and Coaches 45:35 The Two-Coach Model and Resources for Business Improvement   Keywords: Mergers and Acquisitions, M&A, Investment banking, Corporate finance, Sell-side, Valuation, Due diligence, How to sell my business, M&A market trends, M&A advisors, Petra, scaling up, owner dependency, integration, financials, business coaching, executive team, accountability, organizational health, owner dependency, enterprise value, two-coach model

In this episode, Ned Miller and Jim Huerth dive into the strategic approaches M&A advisors can use to leverage the banking world for client acquisition and collaboration. They share insights on how to build strong, value-driven relationships with bankers. Discover the keys to successful networking, including focusing on bankers' needs, providing valuable education and insights, and understanding their target market. Miller and Huerth discuss the power of referrals and the crucial role M&A advisors play in connecting bankers with the right clients. Learn how to position yourself as an asset, not a threat, and build a team of influencers to enhance your network. This episode is packed with practical advice on staying engaged with bankers, managing risk, and ultimately becoming an indispensable part of the banking world in the M&A industry. Tune in now and elevate your understanding of M&A dynamics with the podcast that delivers actionable insights and unlocks the door to new possibilities. To learn more about M&A trends and insights, please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast. New episodes go live every Thursday at 9 am CST.   Some Key takeaways include: • Developing relationships with bankers is crucial for M&A advisors to succeed. • M&A advisors should focus on the needs of bankers and provide value through education and insights. • Understanding the banker's target market and identifying the right bankers to target is essential. • Referrals play a significant role in building relationships with bankers. • M&A advisors can help bankers find suitable clients and add value through their expertise. M&A advisors should view themselves as educators and focus on educating bankers • Stay engaged with bankers by regularly sharing information and meeting in person • Develop a team of influencers to provide specialized assistance • Be mindful of managing risk and offer solutions to help banks mitigate risk   About the show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice. The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more. With host Nick Olsen, each episode's "mastermind" will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background of Guests 02:05 Sales Strategies in the M&A World 04:05 Leveraging and Networking with Banking Executives 05:01 Identifying the Right Bankers to Target 09:14 Networking Tactics for M&A Advisors 12:42 Building Relationships with Bankers 14:28 Assessing the Reputation of Bankers 23:59 The Importance of Referrals 26:12 Evaluating Bankers for Long-Term Relationships 27:30 The Importance of Intimacy and Face-to-Face Interactions 29:44 Evaluating Rainmakers and Their Market Approach 33:42 The Role of Visionary Commercial Bankers 38:35 Being an Asset to Bankers and Managing Fear 44:25 Takeaways and Conclusion   Keywords: Mergers and Acquisitions, M&A, Investment banking, corporate finance, Sell-side, Valuation, Due diligence, how to sell my business, M&A market trends, M&A advisors, banking world, client acquisition, collaboration, relationships, trusted advisor, networking, value, education, insights, target market, referrals, relationships, bankers, value, engagement, risk management

In this week’s episode, join host Nick Olsen as he sits down with Joe Blackburn, founder of Lion’s Eye Coaching as they dive deep into the importance of influencers in our lives. Discover how cultivating strong, authentic relationships with both traditional and non-traditional influencers can catapult your M&A strategies to new heights. Joe introduces the concept of "pillars"—those ideal clients who not only provide exceptional service but also pay optimally. He underscores the crucial elements of likeability, active listening, and the power of unsolicited referrals in fostering these invaluable connections. Blackburn shares his expert framework for engaging in meaningful conversations that prioritize serving over selling. He offers practical tactics for working with influencers, such as making courtesy introductions, offering unparalleled service, and adding a memorable wow factor to every interaction. Tune in now and elevate your understanding of M&A dynamics with the podcast that delivers actionable insights and unlocks the door to new possibilities. To learn more about M&A trends and insights, please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast. New episodes go live every Thursday at 9 am CST.   Some Key takeaways include: Building relationships with influencers is crucial in the world of M&A Pillars are ideal clients who pay you ideally and provide great service Likeability, listening, and unsolicited referrals are key in influencer relationships Non-traditional influencers, such as luxury jewelers and barbers, can have a significant impact on referrals Use the F.O.R.M. framework (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Money) to have meaningful conversations and understand others Create a think of me when statement to stay top of mind with influencers Make courtesy introductions to influencers and offer service to them Provide meaningful touches and a wow factor in relationships Connect with influencers on a personal level and understand their values   About the show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice. The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more. With host Nick Olsen, each episode's "mastermind" will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:26 Building Relationships with Pillars 06:08 The Importance of Likeability and Listening 10:02 Non-Traditional Influencers: Expanding the Network 27:22 Building Relationships with Influencers 28:13 The F.O.R.M. Framework for Meaningful Conversations 29:41 Finding the Impact Point and Pivoting to Business 35:55 Creating a Think of Me When Statement 42:11 Making Courtesy Introductions and Offering Service 45:00 Providing Meaningful Touches and a Wow Factor 48:32 Connecting with Influencers on a Personal Level   Keywords: Mergers and acquisitions, M&A, investment banking, corporate finance, sell-side, valuation, due diligence, how to sell my business, M&A market trends, influencers, pillars, relationships, referrals, conversations, serving, selling, introductions

In this week’s episode, join host Nick Olsen as he sits down with Nick McLean, Co-Founder of Four Pillars Investors as they discuss the importance of transparency in the M&A process. Nick reveals how honesty and openness can transform the dynamic between buyers and sellers. Nick shares compelling stories from his own experiences, illustrating how transparent practices build trust, set realistic expectations, and foster positive relationships. He doesn't shy away from the tough conversations, highlighting why M&A advisors must be candid with their clients—even when delivering unwelcome news. Tune in now and elevate your understanding of M&A dynamics with the podcast that delivers actionable insights and unlocks the door to new possibilities. To learn more about M&A trends and insights, please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast. New episodes go live every Thursday at 9 am CST.   Some Key takeaways include: Transparency is crucial in the M&A process as it builds trust and sets realistic expectations between buyers and sellers. M&A advisors should be upfront and honest with their clients, even if the news is not what they want to hear. Open communication and addressing potential issues early on in the deal can help prevent misunderstandings and build a positive relationship. Transparency is important for both buyers and sellers to ensure a successful and mutually beneficial transaction. Being transparent about valuation, customer concentration, and deal structure can help align incentives and create a win-win situation for all parties involved.   About the show: The M&A Mastermind Podcast is your go-to source for the latest industry trends and strategies to level up your M&A practice. The show features thought leaders who specialize in the lower middle market space and share their experiences and expertise across key areas of execution, such as: market analysis, lead generation, deal management, strategic partnerships, buyer access and much more. With host Nick Olsen, each episode's "mastermind" will share ways in which they have found success in navigating the M&A industry to best support the small-to-medium sized private business owners they focus on serving.   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:15 The Importance of Transparency in M&A 08:05 Go Ugly Early: Addressing Potential Issues 14:26 Transparency in Valuation and Deal Structure 25:28 The Impact of Transparency on Stakeholders 32:44 Advice for M&A Advisors: Be Transparent and Realistic 41:14 Conclusion and Contact Information   Keywords: Mergers and acquisitions, M&A, investment banking, corporate finance, sell-side, valuation, due diligence, how to sell my business, M&A market trends, transparency, trust, expectations, relationship, communication