#329 Insights from Seasoned Entrepreneurs: The Inner Circle Discussion Panel

In this week's episode of Business Buying Strategies, we are treated to a special Q&A session from the annual Marbella retreat featuring a panel of seasoned members from Jonathan's inner circle group.   These accomplished entrepreneurs, who have collectively acquired dozens of businesses, discuss their experiences and share invaluable tips on acquiring businesses with minimal capital outlay.    The panellists, including Hari, Simon, Tim, Jon, and Ben, dive deep into topics such as the importance of getting started, whether to take a targeted or scattergun approach, managing acquisitions without creating a 'job' for oneself, and the key factors in post-acquisition success.   Additionally, they candidly share lessons learned from their own business failures and discuss strategic exits. The episode offers rich, firsthand insights, practical advice for aspiring deal-makers, and underscores the importance of learning from those who have successfully navigated the business acquisition landscape.   Key moments   00:42 Panel Discussion Introduction 01:11 Hari's Business Journey 01:58 Simon's Acquisition Experience 02:35 Tim's Business Ventures 02:57 Jon's Acquisition Success 03:24 Ben's First Acquisition 04:06 Audience Q&A: Getting Started 06:51 Audience Q&A: Targeted vs. Scattergun Approach 09:18 Audience Q&A: Selecting the Right Business 11:24 Audience Q&A: Post-Acquisition Decisions 14:02 Audience Q&A: Increasing Deal Flow 16:56 Audience Q&A: Personal Growth and Mindset 22:11 Audience Q&A: Handling Failures 25:47 Audience Q&A: Using PR for Deal Flow 28:04 Audience Q&A: Exiting Strategies 31:08 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Johan Gory, managing director of OnPoint Accounting, offers an in-depth masterclass on financial due diligence.   Johan explains the importance of involving a due diligence expert, common pitfalls that cause buyers to overpay, and techniques such as the 'source of funds' trick to uncover the real financial health of a business.   He also discusses the relevance of goodwill, the challenges and opportunities in buying distressed businesses, and the role of director's loans in business valuation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about buying a business without risking their own cash.   Key moments   00:00 Introduction to Business Buying Strategies 01:29 Meet Johan Gory: Expert in Financial Due Diligence 05:16 The Importance of Financial Due Diligence 08:36 Understanding Financial Terminology and Add-Backs 13:53 Opportunities and Challenges in Buying Distressed Businesses 17:25 Networking for Business Opportunities 22:04 Understanding Director's Loans 23:54 Negotiation Strategies with Director's Loans 26:07 Evaluating Business Owner's Compensation 29:48 The Importance of Cash Flow in Due Diligence 30:57 The Secret Weapon: Source of Funds Report 38:49 Commercial Due Diligence: Beyond the Numbers   ** 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan talks with John, a long-time acquaintance and experienced professional in mergers and acquisitions.   John shares his journey of acquiring six businesses with a combined annual revenue of 6 million pounds, detailing the various strategies and tactics he employed, including using the cash reserves of the acquired businesses to fund their purchases.   He emphasises the importance of accountability, transparency, and understanding the financial aspects of a business to ensure successful acquisitions. John also highlights the value of a deal fee and the benefits of deferring most of the consideration payments.    Key moments   00:49 Meet John Hood: A Successful Business Buyer 02:36 John's Journey: From Consultancy to Business Ownership 03:08 The Importance of Accountability in Business 04:23 Exploring John's Business Ventures 06:00 Using Business Assets to Fund Acquisitions 09:41 Negotiation Tactics and Strategies 12:20 Case Studies: Successful Business Acquisitions 19:49 The Deal Fee: Paying Yourself First 21:47 Consolidation and Future Plans 24:42 Final Thoughts and Advice     ** 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

In this special edition of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan Jay speaks live from the Deal Makers Retreat in Marbella, Spain, talking about the importance of personal branding when negotiating business deals. He explains how to present yourself to business owners, emphasising the significance of the first impression and maintaining credibility throughout the negotiation process. Jonathan shares practical tips and anecdotes, underlining that knowing the buying process thoroughly and having clarity of intent are crucial for success. Listeners are encouraged to adopt a calm, professional demeanour, control the conversation, and remain curious. The session provides actionable advice on how to address common challenges faced by new business buyers and highlights the importance of being likeable and confident.  Key moments 00:00 Welcome to the Deal Makers Retreat  00:49 The Importance of Personal Branding 01:17 First Impressions Matter 05:09 Building Confidence in Deal-Making 09:29 Establishing Credibility 12:33 Effective Communication Strategies 17:21 Handling Objections and Questions 23:16 Turning the Conversation to the Business 23:41 Overcoming Self-Doubt ** 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

In this week's episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan interviews David, a successful entrepreneur who shares his incredible journey of transforming a small domiciliary care business into a £20 million revenue enterprise over the course of four years through an aggressive buy-and-build strategy.   David details his early days, the moment of insight that led to his first acquisition, and how he managed to acquire businesses with little to no upfront cash. He also emphasises the importance of having a strong management team, discusses integration challenges, and provides insights into acquiring distressed companies.   Additionally, David talks about his recent exit, future plans, and offers valuable advice to those looking to grow through acquisitions.   Key moments   00:00 Introduction to Business Buying Strategies 01:21 David's Background and Early Business Ventures 03:17 First Acquisition and Growth Realization 05:53 Mastermind Course and Rapid Expansion 07:35 Building a Strong Management Team 11:31 Challenges and Strategies in Acquisitions 16:25 Successful Exit and Future Plans 20:26 Q&A Session with David   ** 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

In this week's episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan provides an exclusive glimpse into one of his inner circle meetings featuring guest speaker Richard Farleigh, the Australian investor known from series 3 and 4 of Dragons' Den.   Richard shares his incredible life story, growing up in the care system, overcoming adversity, and eventually achieving success in investment banking and business.   The episode includes candid insights and engaging stories about Richard's experiences on Dragons' Den, his investment philosophies, and the remarkable transformations of his ventures, including the rise of Levi Roots' Reggae Reggae Sauce.   Key moments   01:00 Meet Richard Farleigh: From Dragons' Den to Investor 02:01 Richard Farleigh's Early Life and Challenges 04:24 The Turning Point: Chess and Education 06:37 Investment Banking and Early Success 07:20 Adventures in Small Business Investing 08:33 Experiences on Dragons' Den 15:19 The One That Got Away: Trunky 17:13 Home House: A Unique Private Member's Club 20:49 Business Theory and Unique Selling Points 21:25 Challenges of Promoting Home House 22:29 The Role of Luck in Business Success 22:55 Madonna's Visit and Home House's Turning Point 23:17 Discovery Costs and Financial Struggles 24:56 Selling Home House and Market Liquidity 25:18 Starting a Tennis Racket Company 26:16 Lessons from a Failed Business Venture 30:29 Infinite Startups and Business Execution 32:21 Levi Roots and the Reggae Reggae Sauce Pitch     ** 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan invites Martin to share his business acquisition journey. Martin recounts his initial skepticism towards Jonathan's methods, which later led to remarkable success in acquiring multiple businesses.   He emphasises the importance of swift action, tailored deal structuring, and understanding seller motivations. Martin also delves into effective negotiation tactics, ensuring clear communication, and establishing trust with sellers.   This episode is packed with practical insights on buying businesses without risking personal capital and serves as a masterclass in deal-making and negotiation.   Key moments   01:06 Martin's Journey Begins 02:08 First Business Acquisition 03:16 Expanding the Portfolio 04:11 Deal Structuring and Negotiation Insights 05:11 Real-Life Acquisition Stories 11:54 Advanced Negotiation Techniques 18:53 Building Trust and Securing Deals 25:12 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan interviews Simon, an entrepreneur who has successfully purchased seven businesses since joining the Mastermind and Inner Circle Group. Simon shares his experiences integrating these businesses, the challenges he faced, and the strategies he employed to maintain staff and company culture. The conversation touches on a variety of topics, including the importance of relationship management in PR agencies, financial and brand integration, and the lessons learned from a deal that did not go as planned. Additionally, Simon talks about the support from the Inner Circle group, emphasising the value of a collaborative network while navigating the complexities of business acquisitions. Key moments 00:38 Meet Simon: A Successful Business Buyer 01:22 Integrating Acquired Businesses 01:52 Challenges and Solutions in Business Integration 02:37 Retaining Staff and Managing Relationships 15:31 Financial and Operational Integration 20:25 Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Business Buyers 21:39 The Support of the Inner Circle Group 23:18 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan interviews Simon, an Inner Circle member who has successfully acquired seven businesses without using his own cash. Simon begins with his background in PR and his search for faster business growth, which led him to acquisitions. Simon shares insights and detailed stories of his seven deals, including successes and lessons from a failed acquisition. He emphasises the importance of low-risk strategies, cultural fit, and leveraging expertise from the Inner Circle. Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on structuring deals, maintaining low risk, and navigating the complexities of business acquisitions.  Key moments 01:00 Simon's Journey: From Jargon PR to Inner Circle 02:42 First Acquisition: Vantage Marketing 04:53 Debunking Myths: Buying Businesses Without Risk 08:04 Second Acquisition: Expanding to Manchester 11:56 Lessons Learned: The Failed Third Acquisition 15:43 Pelican Communications Acquisition 16:32 Integration and Earnout Details 17:55 Inner Circle and Mastermind Groups 19:04 Fifth Acquisition in Basingstoke 21:04 Industry Insights Group Expansion 22:26 Acquisition Strategies and Deals 26:24 Future Prospects and Opportunities 27:49 Marbella Event 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.

In this episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan continues his conversation with Cara, who transformed her business from owning a single beauty salon with a turnover of £180,000 to managing a group of nine salons generating over £2 million in revenue within 18 months of joining the Mastermind program. They discuss the importance of personal development in becoming a leader, and the strategies deployed to manage growth, such as implementing systems, assembling a skilled team, and maintaining tight financial controls. Cara also shares personal anecdotes about dealing with family and peer reactions to her success and emphasises the significance of continuous learning and self-investment as key factors in her business journey. The episode concludes with insights into Cara's approach to business acquisitions and the recognition she received as the 'New Deal Maker of the Year.' Key moments 00:00 Introduction to Cara's Success Story 01:11 Challenges After Acquiring Businesses 02:30 Managing Growth and Leadership Development 04:06 Operational Strategies and Team Building 11:58 Financial Management and Cash Flow 15:01 Lessons Learned and Future Goals 18:48 Funding Acquisitions and Overcoming Obstacles 21:42 Conclusion and Recognition ** 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for more information.