

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

Jan 18, 2024 • 38min
How to negotiate buying a business
De-risking Business Acquisitions: A 12-Step Guide to Successful Deals. In this episode, Jonathan Jay shares strategies for buying a business successfully, without risking personal cash. He elaborates on the importance of proper corporate structure, no personal guarantees, de-risking leases, and linking business payment to performance. Jay also explains the significance of not over-leveraging, cost underwriting abort fees, due diligence, and incentivizing owners for a smooth transition among other things. He illustrates these points with real-life examples and emphasizes the ultimate aim - to de-risk deals and ensure a better night’s sleep for business buyers. 00:34 Introduction and Upcoming Events 01:25 De-risking Business Acquisitions: Part 1 01:55 Importance of Corporate Structure in Business Acquisition 04:31 Avoiding Personal Guarantees 07:52 De-risking Leases in Business Acquisition 11:48 Linking Payment to Business Performance 16:00 Avoiding Over-leveraging in Business Acquisition 26:55 Dealing with Distressed Businesses 32:33 Ensuring Smooth Transition Post-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… Watch my FREE Dealmakers webinar training: https://www.dealmakerspodcast.com Get a FREE copy of my book: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/free-book-giveaway Join the Business Acquisition FastTrack course https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/quick 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 at hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.

Jan 11, 2024 • 40min
Buying a business - Using the right words
The words you use during a negotiation to buy a business can make the difference between closing a great deal and failing to close any deals. Use the right language and you will discover the vendor’s motivation, build trust and clear the path to a smooth sale at the best price. Use the wrong language and you could sabotage the acquisition – or, worse, end up with a bad deal. A few weeks ago, I was invited to speak to a group of property agents who are planning to grow in 2024. I showed them how they could double their agency within six months by growing their business through acquisition – and only those Dealmakers who know how to negotiate and use the right language will secure great deals at the best price. You will discover… Why the words you use when you negotiate could be the difference between a good deal and no deal Why you must never, ever be the first to make an offer during a negotiation (do this and you will never recover) The one question to unlock the path to a great deal and guarantee the vendor is on board with closing a deal quickly The most powerful phrase to use during the acquisition if things get a little bumpy (I guarantee this becomes your “go to” phrase in your future negotiations) What you should never do when the owner gives you a price for the business (forget this and it’s game over) Here are the key highlights: 01:29 The Magic Words That Make You Millions 04:35 The Art of Negotiation: Never Go First on Price 07:10 Reacting to the Seller's Price: The Importance of Body Language 10:40 Avoiding the Valuation Trap 15:01 Understanding the Seller's Motivations and Painting a Picture 18:04 Identifying Motivated Sellers 19:59 The Importance of Motivated Sellers 20:43 Avoiding Business Brokers 21:59 The Power of 'No One is Lending' 22:15 The Advantage of Using Other People's Money 24:18 The Speed of Business Acquisition 24:57 Asset Purchase vs Share Purchase 25:48 The Importance of Having a Clear Process 27:33 Expanding Your Business Portfolio 33:03 The Power of 'Is That a Deal Breaker?' 38:23 The Magic Words That Make You Millions ** 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… Watch my FREE Dealmakers webinar training: https://www.dealmakerspodcast.com Get a FREE copy of my book: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/free-book-giveaway Join the Business Acquisition FastTrack course https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/quick 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 at hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.

Jan 4, 2024 • 28min
2023 Dealmaker Highlights of the Year
This year, we have featured more business buying success stories than ever before. Buying a business transforms your life. You just need to hear the stories of those who have follow the system and taken action to know that you can do it, too. The stories we have featured on the Business Buying Strategies podcast range from experienced business owners using acquisitions to rapidly grow their business to individuals holding down a 9-5 job who transformed their life by buying a business in their spare time. In the latest episode of Business Buying Strategies, we look back at some of the major client wins and business buying success stories from the last 12 months. 2023 has been a great year for business buying entrepreneurs. But 2024 promises to be even better. If you are thinking about acquiring a business in 2024 and want to feel inspired, listen to this episode and discover how people – just like you – transformed their lives by buying a business. Here are the key highlights: How Alison acquired a business in a sector she knew little about (and saved £100,000 on a bad deal, thanks to her Mastermind group) How David tried to grow his business organically for years yet added more revenue in one “no money down” deal than he achieved in 12 months How Darren built a group of profitable hair salons without spending any of his own money (and one owner even paid him £20,000 to take the business off her hands) How Dan successfully acquired an eight-figure business without using any of his own funds How Danny acquired businesses in sectors he knew nothing about by following a proven business buying system (which is entirely possible when you shift away from an “operator” mindset) ** 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… Watch my FREE Dealmakers webinar training: https://www.dealmakerspodcast.com Get a FREE copy of my book: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/free-book-giveaway Join the Business Acquisition FastTrack course https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/quick 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 at hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.

Dec 28, 2023 • 29min
Stop imposter syndrome (and do more deals) with Vicki Espin
What limiting beliefs hold you back from starting your business buying journey? What stops you from doing more deals or striving to close bigger acquisitions? In this episode of the Business Buying Strategies podcast, executive coach Vicki Espin explains how imposter syndrome and limiting beliefs stop you from getting what you want and how to eliminate beliefs holding you back. If you want to buy a business in 2024 and you’re not taking action, listen to this episode. It could be a game-changer for you. This is part 2 of a two-part series featuring Vicki. Make sure you listen to part 1 on a game-changer mindset first! Here are the key highlights: Why self-sabotage is the biggest threat to your success What is imposter syndrome? Why expectations are behind imposter syndrome What are your cultural reference points? What is an expectation? Client story - when the imposter turns traitor The difference between self-esteem and self-confidence Why you can’t completely eliminate the noise Here is what you will discover… How imposter syndrome trips you up without you realising (and what to do about it) How to set goals the right way so you never fail to achieve them How to avoid unintentional self-sabotage when you make important decisions Why imposter syndrome is a misalignment between what you say and what you think (and how to bridge the gap) Why identifying your childhood influences helps you understand your thoughts and beliefs today Why your imposter syndrome can show up as your “evil twin” at important moments (and how to deal with it) Why even the place you were born and brought up has an impact on your mindset, thoughts and beliefs Why your thoughts precede your behaviour (and why you need to focus on what you want) The difference between self-confidence and self-esteem (and why you can’t have one without the other) ** 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… Watch my FREE Dealmakers webinar training: https://www.dealmakerspodcast.com Get a FREE copy of my book: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/free-book-giveaway Join the Business Acquisition FastTrack course https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/quick 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 at hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.

Dec 21, 2023 • 27min
Build a game-changer mindset with Vicki Espin
If you want to succeed at business acquisition, you need the right mindset as well as the right knowledge and strategies. By levelling up your mindset and adopting a new way of thinking, you can change how you see yourself and how others see you, to do bigger deals, more frequently. At the last Dealmakers Retreat, executive coach Vicki Espin revealed how to develop a ‘game-changer’ mindset to stand out and attract opportunities. In this episode of the Business Buying Strategies podcast, you can listen to highlights from the presentation, including an exercise to write a professional brand statement to attract dealmaking opportunities to you. Here are the key highlights: How Vicki became a coach and started working with Jonathan What is a game-changer? Your most important relationship in life Understanding ‘Moments of Truth” Your current performance = your potential minus your interference Why your thoughts matter Why you create everything twice Why you need a professional brand statement Do you pass the CEO lift test? Your top signature strengths Here is what you will discover… What is a game-changer mindset and why you need to adopt a new way of thinking to shift where you are right now Why the most important relationship you have in your life is with yourself Why you need to figure out what you want people to say about you when you’re not “in the room” Why nothing in your life changes unless you do this ONE thing Why you need to pay attention to your emotional intelligence to close more deals The No.1 thing that nearly every conversation about personal brand completely ignores (that you can use to your advantage) The secret to crafting a compelling personal brand statement (it’s not just through practice) Why your non-verbal behaviour counts for far more than you may realise How to use a scoring system to continually improve your brand statement (or any pitch or presentation document) ** 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… Watch my FREE Dealmakers webinar training: https://www.dealmakerspodcast.com Get a FREE copy of my book: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/free-book-giveaway Join the Business Acquisition FastTrack course https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/quick 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 at hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.

Dec 15, 2023 • 40min
Mastering LinkedIn - Boost Your Business Buying Strategies
Mastering LinkedIn: Boost Your Business Buying Strategies In this podcast, Jonathan Jay invites LinkedIn expert, Andrew Grill, to share his insights on how to use LinkedIn more effectively, especially for individuals interested in buying businesses. Topics covered include developing online credibility through LinkedIn, improving profiles for greater visibility, using LinkedIn analytics, understanding the LinkedIn algorithm, and exploring various LinkedIn tools. Grill also introduces the 'LinkedIn Social Selling Index' and provides actionable tips for better networking and content sharing on LinkedIn. 00:35 Introduction and Welcome 00:47 The Importance of LinkedIn Profile for Business Buyers 01:19 Guest Speaker Introduction: Andrew Grill 01:41 Andrew's Early Experiences with Technology 02:21 Andrew's Background in Small Business 02:47 The Power of LinkedIn for Business 03:03 Andrew's Journey with LinkedIn 03:47 The Impact of LinkedIn on Andrew's Business 04:01 The Changing Landscape of B2B Selling 05:02 The Importance of Digital First Impressions 05:34 How to Google Yourself Effectively 06:56 The Anatomy of a LinkedIn Page 11:34 The Importance of LinkedIn Activity 15:39 Understanding LinkedIn Public URL and Profile Visibility 19:48 The Difference Between Following and Connecting on LinkedIn 20:40 The Importance of Adding a Note When Connecting on LinkedIn 21:44 Understanding LinkedIn on Desktop and Mobile 22:08 The Importance of Personalizing LinkedIn Connections 22:18 LinkedIn as a Platform for Business Content 22:58 Overcoming Writer's Block on LinkedIn 23:07 Using LinkedIn as a Content Laboratory 23:46 Creating Engaging Content on LinkedIn 27:22 Understanding LinkedIn's Algorithm 32:14 Tips for Creating Great Content on LinkedIn 33:00 Understanding LinkedIn's Social Selling Index (SSI) 34:19 Using LinkedIn's QR Code Feature 35:09 Posting Consistently on LinkedIn 38:04 Actionable Steps to Improve Your LinkedIn Presence Resources Buying a business is only the start, which is why we are now teaching what happens next on the Mastermind program. Now, 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. 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. If you would like to take the next step to learn the best ways of buying a business, without risking your own cash, you can access my free training at: www.dealmakerspodcast.co.uk Watch my Webinar Training Video: https://www.dealmakerspodcast.co.uk You can also request a free copy of my book at: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/free-book-giveaway/ If you want to jump straight to my live Zoom FastTrack course, please go to: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/fast Connect with Jonathan Jay at: Website: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-jay-3556b230/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDealmakersAcademy

Dec 7, 2023 • 20min
Successful exit with 30X multiple
In this podcast episode of 'Business Buying Strategies', host Jonathan Jay interviews Andrew Scott, an accomplished entrepreneur who has a versatile track record of both buying and selling businesses. Andrew talks about his recent experiences at the Marbella VIP dealmakers retreat and shares insights about his successful exits, including one at thirty times multiple. He also discusses some of the challenges associated with the buying process, dealing with the emotional aspect of buying and selling, and how to maximize the value of a business. The importance of having a proper acquisition process, understanding the target market, and having a long-term value-oriented approach is highlighted. Andrew concludes by stating his current focus on acquiring other marketing-related businesses and building a property portfolio to secure long-term capital value. 00:34 Introduction and Welcome 00:47 Interview with Andrew Scott: Successful Business Exits 01:40 Andrew's Experience in Buying and Selling Businesses 02:17 The Story of Business Leader Magazine 03:55 The Power of PR and Network in Business Valuation 07:46 Andrew's Experience in Buying Businesses 11:15 Lessons from Business Acquisitions 13:41 Recent Business Sales and Future Plans 17:49 Andrew's Motivation for Attending the Event 18:45 Closing Remarks Resources Buying a business is only the start, which is why we are now teaching what happens next on the Mastermind program. Now, 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. 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. If you would like to take the next step to learn the best ways of buying a business, without risking your own cash, you can access my free training at: www.dealmakerspodcast.co.uk Watch my Webinar Training Video: https://www.dealmakerspodcast.co.uk You can also request a free copy of my book at: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/free-book-giveaway/ If you want to jump straight to my live Zoom FastTrack course, please go to: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/fast Connect with Jonathan Jay at: Website: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-jay-3556b230/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDealmakersAcademy

Nov 29, 2023 • 18min
One deal changed my life
This week Jonathan shares insights and experiences of business acquisitions to a live audience in Marbella. Transitioning from financial difficulty to successful entrepreneurship, he explains how the sale of his first business changed everything and resulted in him immersing himself in the world of business acquisitions. Jonathan outlines the reasons why people sell businesses and strategies for purchasing them, Jay sheds light on the potential of business acquisitions as a means of wealth building. He asserts that everyone is capable of buying a business successfully, emphasising the importance of implementing ideas and dealing with 'imposter syndrome', the fear and self-doubt that can hinder progress. He also explores how acquiring businesses is not just about financial gains, but also personal growth and development and developing emotional intelligence. 01:45 The Importance of Implementation and Future Goals 04:16 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome 05:31 The Power of Taking Action and Building Momentum 06:13 Personal Stories and Insights from Attendees 07:22 The Journey of Buying and Selling Businesses 14:44 The Emotional Aspect of Business Deals 16:36 Advice for People with Traditional Jobs Looking to Buy Businesses 17:19 Closing Remarks and Contact Information for UK Lawyer Resources Buying a business is only the start, which is why we are now teaching what happens next on the Mastermind program. Now, 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. 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. If you would like to take the next step to learn the best ways of buying a business, without risking your own cash, you can access my free training at: www.dealmakerspodcast.co.uk Watch my Webinar Training Video: https://www.dealmakerspodcast.co.uk You can also request a free copy of my book at: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/free-book-giveaway/ If you want to jump straight to my live Zoom FastTrack course, please go to: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/fast Connect with Jonathan Jay at: Website: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-jay-3556b230/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDealmakersAcademy

Nov 23, 2023 • 35min
Financial Success Through Business Acquisition
How to grow a business through acquisition In this week’s episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan speaks with BBC Apprentice winner and founder of the Millionaire Mastermind, Joseph Valente about the opportunity for business owners to rapidly double the size of their business through acquisition. In conversation in front of a room of ambitious entrepreneurs, Jonathan explained why 2024 is a year of opportunity for those business owners who want to grow, why it is better to buy a big business for your first deal and how to avoid the pitfalls experienced by many first-time dealmakers. If you’re a business owner and you’re frustrated or impatient for growth, you need to listen to this episode. Here are the key highlights: 00:51 - Jonathan’s accidental entry into the world of mergers and acquisitions 01:22 - How Jonathan had an epiphany when he sold his first business 02:14 - Why being the operator in a business is not the best way to get the result you want 02:27 - How to get a great deal when buying a competitor business 04:13 - Why you should never cut corners on your deal team (easily avoidable legal and due diligence issues are so much more expensive in the long run) 04:29 - Why the “Buy, Build and Sell” strategy is the fastest way to achieve your financial goals 04:47 How just one successful deal can transform your business – and your life 05:16 The 3 keep questions to ask when assessing any business acquisition 05:50 The benefits of buying a business similar to your current business 06:38 Why it is important you only buy businesses that can run without you (otherwise you’re buying an expensive job) 07:06 Why you need to follow a business buying strategy that doesn’t use any of your own funds 07:34 How our Mastermind clients have successfully purchased businesses using none of their own money 09:50 Why you need to have a good lawyer to keep a business buying deal moving 10:29 Jonathan’s top advice for anyone looking to start acquiring businesses 19:16 Why you must always be through in your due diligence when buying a business 30:54 Why it’s a good strategy to keep the previous owner on-side (it can get really messy if you don’t) 33:30 How Jonathan helps business owners to acquire the right businesses to grow Here is what you will discover… Why it is better to buy a £2.5m business for your first deal rather than a £250k business (as one of my Mastermind clients did) How to quickly assess whether a deal is worth pursuing by asking 3 key questions How to use the tactics of experienced M&A dealmakers to close your own acquisitions using none of your own funds Why your mindset is the biggest obstacle to acquiring a business (regardless of whether you’re experienced in business or completely new to it) The biggest mistakes made by first-time business buyers and how to avoid them (there are two that could prove fatal if you’re not ready) How the owner of the business can be your best source of deal financing How to fund your deal through the existing owner of a business Why you don’t need to worry about your personal credit rating or need to have available funds to buy your first business Why future dealmakers need to be ready ahead of January 2024 if they want to secure the best deals available Why you need to discover the seller’s “real” motivation for selling (and it’s usually nothing to do with money) ** 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… Watch my FREE Dealmakers webinar training: https://www.dealmakerspodcast.com Get a FREE copy of my book: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/free-book-giveaway Join the Business Acquisition FastTrack course https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/quick 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 at hello@thedealmakersacademy.com for more information.

Nov 14, 2023 • 23min
The £2m business acquisition
I waited too long to get started… but then I bought a £2.5m business In this latest episode of Business Buying Strategies, we visit a Mastermind client, Carsten, at the £2.5m revenue tree surgery business he recently purchased. By his own admission, Carsten was a little slow getting out the blocks, as he previously believed he needed funds to acquire a business. He joined our FastTrack programme and saw other dealmakers buying profitable, established businesses with no money down. After joining Mastermind, Carsten followed our business buying system and took six months to buy his first business. In the episode, we go behind the scenes with Carsten to discover how the deal was put together and the reality of owning rather than operating a business. Here are the key highlights: 00:00 – Why he chose to buy a £2.5m business as his first acquisition 00:00 – What held Carsten back from getting started earlier 00:00 – How Carsten runs the business in just a few hours each week from his home 00:00 – How Mastermind helped Carsten learn what he needed to close his first deal 00:00 – How Carsten took six months to complete the purchase 00:00 – How he creates systems to conclude deals more efficiently 00:00 – What Carsten is focusing on next Here is what you will discover… Why buying a bigger business with a management team is always better than a small business How to avoid getting stuck in the day-to-day running of the business How to avoid wasting time and money during the deal sourcing process by having a system in place Why a network of experience dealmakers is essential to saving time and money on any business acquisition Why you need to get started learning business buying now – even if you think it's too soon How to avoid wasting time and money during the deal sourcing process by having a system in place Why a network of experience dealmakers is essential to saving time and money on any 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… Watch my FREE Dealmakers webinar training: https://www.dealmakerspodcast.com Get a FREE copy of my book: https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/free-book-giveaway Join the Business Acquisition FastTrack course https://www.thedealmakersacademy.com/quick 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.