How acquisition influencers set you up to fail

I’ve got mixed feelings about acquisition gurus.

(AKA: influencers, course creators, and YouTubers who teach how to buy small businesses.)

On one hand, they’ve brought attention to the fact that small business acquisitions are even possible for regular people. For that, credit where it’s due.

But on the other hand... most of them make it look way too easy.

Some people might consider me an “influencer.” To which I say, touché. I’ve built a big presence on social media.

But I’ve also always been open about the fact that buying a business is not something that’s going to make you rich in 90 days while you sip piña coladas on the beach.

That kind of pitch draws people in, and it’s a great way to sell a course.

But it also sets people up to fail.

They’re sold a dream that they’ll find the perfect deal, close it fast, and then be able to repeat that formula on autopilot until the millions stack up.

In reality?

Your first few potential deals probably won’t work out.

There’s a good chance you’ll spend a few months sifting through potential businesses, and eventually stumble upon the “perfect” one. You’ll come close to the finish line. And then some complication will come up, and the whole deal will fall apart, and you’ll have to start your search from zero again.

If you’re only focused on the end result — getting rich, owning multiple businesses, and working only 20 hours a week — then yeah, that’s going to feel discouraging.

But if you’re focused on the process?

Then you’ll just recognize it as a necessary, but minor bump in the road. Because...

Going from zero to one is the hardest part.

Most of your learning curve will be front-loaded into this period.

Because you’re not only trying to close your first deal. You’re also trying to build the skillsets that get you there, like:

• How to identify a winning business

• Getting approved for SBA loans

• Spotting red flags before you waste weeks on a bad deal

• Negotiating with sellers

That’s the simple, boring truth about acquisitions.

You don’t need a shortcut or a secret hack. What you need is stubborn persistence. The willingness to put in the reps, build your skills, and trust the process.

If you start with that mindset, then it just becomes a matter of time. And every “failed” deal becomes a stepping stone to your eventual success.

If you want some help getting started, then I’ve got something for you.

I come across a lot of high-quality, on/off-market deals that are looking for buyers and/or passive investors. Tell me more about your goals in the survey below, and I’ll give you first dibs when an opportunity opens up.

👉 I want to buy or passively invest into a business (2-minute survey)

Or... if you have a business already and you’re looking to sell, I can help you find qualified buyers. Tell me more about it at the link below:

👉 I want to sell my business

Onward,

— Ben Kelly