Goals of the Course

The main goal of the How To Find A Great Business to Buy course is to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to acquire profitable businesses. The course focuses on demystifying the business acquisition process, which can often seem daunting to newcomers. By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Develop a Clear Acquisition Thesis: The course teaches how to narrow down the types of businesses to target based on personal investment goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions.
• Understand Modern Acquisition Methods: Students will learn about contemporary approaches to sourcing business opportunities, including networking, leveraging brokers, and digital tools.
• Run an Efficient Deal Funnel: The course covers how to set up and manage a business acquisition funnel, including lead generation, vetting potential deals, and managing multiple negotiations simultaneously.
• Evaluate Business Financials and Risks: Participants will learn how to analyze financial statements, assess the health of a business, and identify potential red flags that could indicate risks.
• Negotiate Effectively: The course will provide students with key negotiation tactics to secure favorable deals without overpaying or taking on excessive risk.

Ultimately, the course aims to empower individuals with the confidence and tools to find and acquire the right business, whether for personal ownership, portfolio diversification, or strategic growth.

Content Overview or Modules Breakdown

The How To Find A Great Business to Buy course is divided into several modules that cover different aspects of the business acquisition process. Each module is designed to be easy to understand, while offering deep insights into the nuances of business buying. The course content is broken down into three major sections:

Module 1: What You’re Looking For

This foundational module focuses on helping students define the type of business they want to acquire. The course emphasizes the importance of developing a business acquisition thesis—a set of guiding principles that help participants decide which businesses align with their personal or investment goals.

In this module, students will:

• Learn to evaluate businesses based on industry, market size, and profitability.
• Understand the key characteristics that make a business a good acquisition target.
• Identify businesses that fit within their budget and risk tolerance.
• Build a checklist of factors to consider when evaluating potential targets.

The module also explores traditional and modern approaches to finding businesses, including leveraging online platforms, using brokers, and reaching out directly to business owners.

Module 2: Where to Look

The second module focuses on the actual process of finding businesses for sale. Here, students learn how to expand their search beyond conventional sources to include brokers, websites, and direct outreach methods.

This module also introduces the concept of the “Full Court Press,” a proactive approach to business searching. The goal is to ensure that students are not relying on a passive approach but are actively generating leads and finding high-quality acquisition opportunities.

Key topics include:

• How to use online platforms and business-for-sale websites effectively.
• Building relationships with business brokers and networking within the acquisition community.
• Understanding different lead generation techniques and how to create a pipeline of acquisition opportunities.
• Mastering cold outreach and negotiation with business owners directly to secure deals.

By the end of this module, students will have a comprehensive strategy for identifying and sourcing businesses that align with their acquisition thesis.

Module 3: Running the Funnel

The final module is dedicated to the process of running an efficient business acquisition funnel. This section covers how to streamline the acquisition process, making it easier to manage multiple deals at once and increase the likelihood of securing a deal.

Students will learn:

• How to evaluate multiple business opportunities simultaneously.
• The art of building relationships with brokers, business owners, and other deal facilitators.
• How to manage the due diligence process, including financial reviews and legal considerations.
• Tips for negotiating the best terms, including price, payment structure, and contingencies.

The course emphasizes that running a business acquisition funnel is about efficiency—identifying high-potential deals and moving quickly while ensuring that each opportunity aligns with the buyer’s strategic goals.

Benefits of the Course

The How To Find A Great Business to Buy course offers numerous benefits for individuals looking to dive into the world of business acquisitions. Some of the key benefits include:

• Actionable Framework: This course provides an actionable, step-by-step guide to finding and acquiring a business. Each module builds on the previous one, ensuring that participants walk away with a clear understanding of how to navigate the acquisition process from start to finish.
• Expert Knowledge: Michael Girdley’s wealth of experience is evident throughout the course. He shares insights from over 20 successful acquisitions, providing a real-world perspective that is invaluable for learners.
• Practical Tools: Students will have access to templates, checklists, and resources that can be immediately applied in their business acquisition endeavors.
• Increased Confidence: By understanding the process and strategies that lead to successful acquisitions, students will be able to approach the business-buying process with more confidence, reducing the fear and uncertainty that often surrounds it.
• Time Efficiency: The course streamlines the business search process, helping students to avoid wasting time on low-quality leads and focus on high-potential opportunities.
• Deal Flow Management: Learn how to manage an acquisition funnel effectively, allowing students to evaluate multiple deals and keep their business acquisition efforts organized and efficient.

By applying the principles taught in this course, students will be able to find business opportunities that match their goals and budget, assess the risks, and close deals that will help them grow and diversify their business portfolios.

Target Audience for the Course

This course is specifically designed for:

• Aspiring Business Buyers: Individuals who are new to the world of business acquisitions and need a structured guide to navigate the process.
• Entrepreneurs: Those looking to expand their existing business by acquiring smaller businesses to scale and diversify their portfolio.
• Investors: People interested in buying businesses as a form of passive investment or as part of their broader investment strategy.
• Corporate Executives: Senior professionals interested in acquiring businesses to help grow their organizations or enter new markets.

The course is ideal for anyone who wants to understand the business acquisition process in-depth and gain the skills to secure great business deals. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to grow your business or an investor seeking profitable opportunities, this course will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of business acquisitions.

Conclusion

The How To Find A Great Business to Buy course by Michael Girdley offers an invaluable understanding of the business acquisition process. By applying the strategies and tools shared in the course, students will be able to confidently approach business buying, reduce risks, and identify valuable opportunities that align with their goals. The course is perfect for those who want to enter the world of business acquisitions but need expert guidance to avoid costly mistakes and streamline their search process. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this course provides actionable knowledge to succeed in business acquisition.