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Jim Stein Sharpe

Jim Stein Sharpe

Sharing about searching, searchers and running an SME. Always learning.

  • Most Recent Blog Post
  • Contemplating Search
  • Launching Search
  • Searching
  • Being a CEO
Most Recent Blog Post

Why Search? Is it right for you?

Jim Sharpe January 2, 2019 Why Search? Is it right for you?2019-01-02T13:19:12+00:00 Most Recent Blog Post No Comment
Searching for a business to buy almost sounds too good to be true! You want to be an entrepreneur, but have no "great idea" to launch a start-up. Perhaps you have just completed an MBA…
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Contemplating Search

Learning About Search

Jim Sharpe February 1, 2018 Learning About Search2018-03-19T07:42:49+00:00 Contemplating Search No Comment
For entrepreneurial start-ups there is a wealth of books, articles, experts, and opinion leaders, but not much information exists about searching for and buying your own company as a path to being an entrepreneur. Thorough…
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Contemplating Search

When to Search?

Jim Sharpe January 21, 2015 When to Search?2018-05-09T21:58:45+00:00 Contemplating Search 1 Comment
Deciding when to start your search is one of the more significant decisions in your entrepreneurial life; be sure you get it right, as you may likely get only one chance. Search is not for…
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Contemplating Search

Where to search from?

Jim Sharpe January 30, 2015 Where to search from?2017-03-26T09:28:39+00:00 Contemplating Search 4 Comments
Choosing the geographic boundaries of your search has far-reaching implications on your tactics, fundraising, personal expenditures and even the perception of the sellers you may purchase from. Selecting a home base from which to work…
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Contemplating Search

Searching Internationally

Jim Sharpe March 19, 2018 Searching Internationally2018-05-09T21:43:04+00:00 Contemplating Search No Comment
An increasing number of searchers return to their "home country" to launch a search. This post is based on input from over 20 international searchers who have launched within the last 5 years and share…
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Contemplating Search

International Searchers Inside the USA

Jim Sharpe April 12, 2018 International Searchers Inside the USA2018-05-21T13:57:35+00:00 Contemplating Search No Comment
The USA has the highest number of searchers in the world and a robust infrastructure to support them, yet many international searchers choose to return to their own country to find a business (See Blog…
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Contemplating Search

Choosing a search partner – or not!

Jim Sharpe April 20, 2015 Choosing a search partner – or not!2018-02-25T08:07:30+00:00 Contemplating Search No Comment
After fully committing to a search, one of the next critical decision is whether to identify a partner for the journey, or to forge ahead as a solo searcher.  Remember, you may be fully engaged…
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Contemplating Search

Funding the Search

Jim Sharpe August 1, 2017 Funding the Search2018-07-15T22:50:06+00:00 Contemplating Search 12 Comments
Determining how to fund your search process can have a significant impact while searching and afterward as a CEO and business owner.  Over the past few decades, search has evolved in many ways, and in…
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Contemplating Search

Searching as a Couple

Jim Sharpe March 1, 2017 Searching as a Couple2017-04-02T17:25:05+00:00 Contemplating Search No Comment
Husband-and-wife teams searching for, purchasing and then running a business, is a special variation on selecting a partner for a search.  Searching with a partner is one of the key decisions a searcher must make…
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Contemplating Search

Searching as a Veteran

Jim Sharpe January 1, 2018 Searching as a Veteran2018-06-05T22:27:15+00:00 Contemplating Search No Comment
Military veterans have recognized that search is one of the ways they can utilize their leadership skills and fulfill their dreams to be an entrepreneur.  The Post-911 GI Bill, plus the Yellow Ribbon Program, significantly…
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Posts – Most Recent

  • Why Search? Is it right for you?

  • Hiring and Retention

  • Exit and/or Recapitalization

Posts – Contemplating a Search

  • Why Search? Is it right for you?

  • Learning About Search

  • When to Search?

  • Where to search from?

  • Searching Internationally

  • International Searchers Inside the USA

  • Choosing a search partner – or not!

  • Funding the Search

  • Searching as a Couple

  • Searching as a Veteran

  • Searching as a Woman

  • Searching Mid-Career

  • Your significant other

  • Wearing the coat

  • Compensation

  • Cost of searching

  • Blog Purpose and Objectives

Posts – Launching a Search

  • Selecting your search name

  • Building your search website

  • Searcher Identity

  • Preparing your search brochure

  • Searching with Interns

Posts – Conducting your Search

  • Seller Profile

  • Company Profile

  • Establishing seller trust

  • Proprietary Prospecting

  • Brokers & Intermediaries

  • Making offers (IOIs and LOIs)

  • Working Capital

  • Bank Financing

  • Seller Financing

  • Raising Equity Capital

  • Due Diligence

  • Quality of Earnings

  • Customer Concentration

  • When your LOI falls apart

  • Getting to Closing

  • Why deals fall apart

  • Managing Professional Support

  • Searching Efficiently

  • Reaching out for help

  • Reporting on search progress

  • What to expect while searching

  • Practice and Repetition

  • When to stop searching

  • Life after winding down search

Posts – Being CEO/Owner

  • Seller After Closing

  • Taking Over the Business

  • Board of Directors

  • Communicating with Employees

  • Selecting your direct reports

  • Hiring and Retention

  • IT Systems

  • Wearing your sales hat

  • Knowing your competition

  • Growing Revenue

  • Pricing for Value

  • Sharing profits, not equity

  • Developing an Accountability Culture

  • Strategic Partnerships

  • Downsizing your business

  • Exit and/or Recapitalization

Random Quote

47-The “itch” of owning a business may turn into a “rash” after seeing thousands. Search is not right for everyone, especially if it does not feel right to you after searching for a while. (See Blog Post-Life after winding down search)

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