My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
“momentum is everything when it comes to deal making”
What It Means
The speed of response and follow-up in M&A processes directly impacts deal success
Why It Matters
Slow responses kill buyer interest and create opportunity for competitor deals or changing priorities
When It's True
During active negotiation phases when buyers are evaluating multiple options
When It's Risky
When moving too fast leads to mistakes in due diligence or legal documentation
How to Apply
Respond to buyer requests within hours, not days
Have materials prepared before they're requested
Maintain regular communication cadence
Example Scenario
“A buyer requests financial projections and technical architecture overview. Founder responds within 2 hours with comprehensive materials, maintaining buyer excitement and competitive advantage over slower-responding alternatives.”
Related Knowledge
great companies are bought not sold but most companies are sold not bought
The popular advice about companies being bought only applies to unicorns; most founders need to actively sell
you need to turn your company into a giant buy button
Remove all friction from the buying decision by preparing comprehensive materials that answer every question
Strike while the iron is hot. Highest conversion rate in that moment
Customer interest and willingness to buy are highest at the moment they first express interest
Four Buyer Categories Framework
A systematic way to categorize potential acquirers into four distinct types based on their acquisition motivations and strategic needs.
DENNIS System for M&A
A systematic 6-step approach to selling your company, adapted from the comedy show Always Sunny in Philadelphia's 'DENNIS System' for dating.
Startup Sale Readiness Assessment
A four-question framework to assess whether you should sell your startup by comparing your current beliefs against your founding assumptions.