
David C Barnett Small Business and Deal Making M&A SMB
I discuss buying, selling, financing and managing small and medium sized businesses either alone or with guests.
I've started, bought, sold and closed businesses.
Author of three best-selling business books; 'Invest Local: a guide to superior investment returns in your own community,' 'Franchise Warnings: What you really need to know before you buy' and 'How To Sell My Own Business: A guide to selling your own business without paying a broker's commission.' all available as well as 5 other books on Amazon or from www.DavidCBarnett.com
Latest episodes

Apr 23, 2025 • 32min
7 Costly Mistakes When Buying a Business
Discover the seven costly mistakes buyers often make when acquiring a business. Learn why due diligence is crucial and why conventional online advice might mislead you. Delve into the importance of quality of earnings reports, especially for small businesses, and how they can shape your buying strategy. The discussion emphasizes the need for meticulous planning, emotional control, and tailored research to avoid pitfalls. Gain insights on preparations you should make, including understanding products and valuable resources to streamline your acquisition process.

Apr 21, 2025 • 60min
LIVE- Dustin Williamson Regrets in mergers and acquisitions
Dustin Williamson, Managing Director at VCFO, brings years of financial expertise to the discussion on regrets in mergers and acquisitions. He shares insights on the emotional complexities that affect seller satisfaction and highlights the significant impact of cyclical markets, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Dustin emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and traditional valuation metrics to avoid common pitfalls. Additionally, he discusses the unique challenges faced by fractional CFOs and the need for thorough preparation in successful deal-making.

Apr 14, 2025 • 33min
2025 LIVE Q and A with David C Barnett
A live Q&A session dives into pressing issues facing small businesses today. Discussions include the impact of Canadian elections on business, strategies for financing deals, and navigating debt refinancing. The importance of cash flow management is highlighted, along with the role of family offices in financing acquisitions. Insights on valuing businesses emphasize the need for cash flow over speculation, while private debt lenders' influence on mid-market financing becomes a focal point. Engaging audience participation adds to the lively exchange of ideas.

Apr 9, 2025 • 25min
Tariffs increase small business values_
Trade tariffs might seem like a wet blanket, but they can actually boost small business values in intriguing ways. The discussion dives into how tariffs affect inventory and profitability, with strategies for navigating these challenges. Real-world examples, like a thriving American steel mill, showcase how tariffs can decrease competition and elevate demand for local products. Plus, there’s insight into making wise business purchases during economic downturns and the role of government relief programs in shaping profitability.

Mar 31, 2025 • 24min
How Can I sell my business without losing money_ take 3
Selling a business can be an emotional rollercoaster. Misconceptions about loss can cloud judgment, as selling below market value isn't always a loss. Understanding true business valuation is crucial for protecting financial interests. The impact of tax liabilities and legal fees plays a significant role in profitability. Establishing strong systems can grant owners freedom, preventing hasty decisions during personal challenges. These insights are essential for both sellers and buyers navigating the complexities of business sales.

Mar 29, 2025 • 57min
LIVE John Hannum- Buying and running a construction company
Buying and running a construction company.
New Livestream guest- John Hannum
I’m happy to have John join me on a live broadcast.
He’s got tons of experience in the construction and trades industries as a corporate C-suite level employee and CFO.
Tune in and as we’ll be discussing buying and running construction companies.
This is a ‘must see event’ for anyone who is interested in construction or project-related businesses.
Be sure to join live so that you can ask questions, replay will be available.
We’ll be going live Monday March 31, 2025 at 1 PM Atlantic Time and 12 Noon Eastern Time
See you there!
David C Barnett
Find John on Linkedin here: linkedin.com/in/johnhannum
Website: https://www.ppsfinance.com/ & https://www.privitycpa.com/

Mar 26, 2025 • 34min
12 Pricing Strategies for a Service Business
***New Video Alert!
A fantastic conversation with a thoughtful wedding planner prompted this video.
How can a service business maximize revenue and sell all of their capacity?
We explore the strategies in this week’s video…
Check it out right here: https://youtu.be/oh7Gd-llnRU
Cheers
See you over on YouTube
David C Barnett

Mar 19, 2025 • 34min
Premiere - Sol Rosenbaum SBA 504 Green Loans
YouTube Premiere - SBA 504 Green Loans
New Premiere guest- Sol Rosenberg
I’m happy to have Sol join me on a recorded session.
Sol is an energy engineer.
Tune in and as we’ll be discussing the SBA’s 504 Green loan.
It’s a variation on the normal 504 loan for buildings and big items of machinery.
This is a ‘must see event’ for American entrepreneurs who want to access more funding as the normal limits to the 504 program just don’t apply to the green loans!
Be sure to join live so that you can ask questions.
Set yourself a reminder on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Uakzs3xCsqw
YouTube Premiere will be going live Monday March 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM Atlantic Time and 12 Noon Eastern Time
See you there!
David C Barnett

Mar 15, 2025 • 20min
Financing a Business Purchase in Canada
***New Video Alert!
Yes, there is a government loan program.
We explore it in detail in today’s video for people doing a business purchase in Canada.
Check it out right here: https://youtu.be/GkLikvZDFQc
Cheers
See you over on YouTube
David C Barnett

Mar 11, 2025 • 15min
How old does a business need to be before its Mature
***New Video Alert!
Would you buy a business that was one year old?
How about 10?
Where is the right age until we can be sure it’s likely going to last, especially under a new owner?
Let’s take a look in this week’s video: https://youtu.be/2GqBGLo9rrM
Cheers
See you over on YouTube
David C Barnett
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