

Business Buying Strategies from The Dealmaker's Academy
Jonathan Jay Business Buying Expert
The Business Buying Strategies Podcast comes from The Dealmaker's Academy, the world's leading training on buying and selling businesses - without risking your own money!
Each week we talk to leading experts, discuss business buying strategies, offer hints and tips and cover the essential skills you will need to buy and sell businesses effectively.
Each week we talk to leading experts, discuss business buying strategies, offer hints and tips and cover the essential skills you will need to buy and sell businesses effectively.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 31, 2024 • 28min
Cara's journey: Transforming salon business through acquisitions
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.

Oct 24, 2024 • 32min
Cara's story of growth and transformation
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.

Oct 10, 2024 • 31min
Navigating post-acquisition challenges with Steven
Explore the intricate world of post-acquisition hurdles. Cultural integration and logistical challenges take center stage as personal anecdotes reveal the struggles and triumphs of management. Discover the critical importance of cash flow management and streamlined banking solutions. Hear insights into aligning diverse corporate cultures and maintaining personnel trust. Strategies for growth and clarity in future business goals are discussed, highlighting the delicate balance between preserving individual identities and fostering team collaboration.

Oct 10, 2024 • 38min
Steven's acquisitions in digital marketing
Dive into the fascinating world of digital marketing acquisitions! Steven shares his journey from running a software agency to successfully managing multiple creative agencies across borders. Learn negotiation tactics that emphasize understanding seller motivations and the intricacies of dealing with distressed companies. Discover the power of networking through mastermind groups and the importance of structured knowledge in navigating the complexities of business deals. Plus, get insights into balancing price and terms for successful acquisitions!

Oct 3, 2024 • 28min
Smart Business Buying - Avoiding Personal Financial Risks
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.

Sep 26, 2024 • 36min
Business acquisition - avoiding the common pitfalls
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.

Sep 19, 2024 • 35min
Understanding the Psychology and Process Behind Business Acquisitions
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.

Sep 13, 2024 • 37min
Eliminating Risk and Avoiding Common Pitfalls
In this episode of the Business Buying Strategies Podcast, Jonathan discusses strategies for eliminating personal risk when purchasing a business. Key points include not using personal finances or guarantees, structuring acquisitions correctly, and understanding the seller's motivations. The episode also covers common business buying mistakes, such as not having the right advisors, insufficient cash, and buying distressed businesses. Additionally, guest Daniel shares his experiences with business consolidation, highlighting the challenges of integrating acquired companies and the importance of cultural alignment. Key moments 01:24 Eliminating Personal Risk in Business Acquisitions 03:01 The Importance of No Personal Guarantees 04:45 Protecting Mental Health in Business Deals 08:00 Advanced Methods for De-risking Acquisitions 10:46 12 Business Buying Mistakes: Part 2 10:55 Mistake 7: Not Getting the Right Advisors 12:46 Mistake 8: Insufficient Cash Flow 15:38 Mistake 9: Buying Distressed Businesses 18:22 Mistake 10: Understanding Seller's Motivation 21:09 Mistake 11: Company Reputation 22:58 Mistake 12: Insufficient Due Diligence 25:25 Interview with Daniel: Challenges in Business Consolidation 25:47 Daniel's Experience with Roll-ups and Exits 31:37 Structuring and Financing Deals 33:34 Private Schools Acquisition Strategy ** 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.

Sep 4, 2024 • 36min
Buying off-market businesses and avoiding key business buying mistakes
In this week's episode of the Business Buying Strategies podcast, Jonathan's focus is on purchasing businesses off-market and avoiding common mistakes that new business buyers often make. Jonathan highlights six of the twelve most common mistakes, including the risks of using personal money, buying businesses you don't understand, overpaying, and quitting your job too soon. The episode also features Nick, who successfully bought a poultry business by leveraging creative financing and avoiding the usual pitfalls. Nick talks about strategies for financing acquisitions without personal money, the importance of buying larger businesses to avoid effectively purchasing a job, and the value of negotiating a fair price. In a conversation with podcast producer, Ed, Jonathan advises new dealmakers to look for off-market businesses rather than going through brokers to avoid overpaying and the complications of dealing with experienced brokers. Key moments 01:24 Common Mistakes in Business Buying 02:59 Financing Your Business Acquisition 05:04 Avoiding the Job Trap 06:08 Negotiation and Valuation Tips 09:02 Understanding the Business You Buy 11:01 Balancing Business Buying with a Day Job 13:10 Thinking Big in Business Buying 15:22 The Importance of Off-Market Deals 26:11 Case Study: Buying a Poultry Business 34:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ** 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.

Aug 28, 2024 • 38min
Corporate Structures, Risk Management, and the Buy & Build Strategy
In this insightful discussion, guest Ed highlights the power of the buy and build strategy to amplify business growth. David, a mastermind client, shares his journey of successfully integrating multiple business acquisitions, landing a significant local authority contract. The conversation delves into the importance of corporate structures to minimize risk, avoiding personal guarantees, and linking payments to performance for better outcomes. They also discuss the challenges of integration, showcasing how strategic decision-making can lead to transformative growth.