Been a long day today–let’s see, what’s in the mail? Bill, bill, ‘Get the new Mallis handbook’, bill, bill, ooh a check, that’s a switch and–what’s this? A hand written envelope from who? Hmmmm, he must know me let’s see…….ripppp. Oh man, another letter asking me to sell my business. That’s the 5th one this month! Just what’s up with these mega corp’s around the globe that are in this all insistent push to buy me out? Are they sure they have the right company? Have they seen the trucks I drive? Don’t they know I’m just a little guy?– Have you gotten any of these lately or is it just me?
Flavor Of The Month?
I guess it’s sort of flattering that big companies-or hey! just anybody who thinks I’m worthy of being bought out. I’ve been in business now almost 20 years and I’ve only got a few of these letters but somehow this month- 5. Does that mean I’ve reached some sort of plateau or criteria that mega corps secret acquisition teams have gotten wind of? Or is it a nationwide campaign where all these huge companies are in a race to see who can out grow whom by acquiring competitors?
Would This Be A Good Strategy For You?
If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m just a miniscule minnow in a corporate sea of sharks and whales who eat at will. Having said that, I’ve grown by acquisition and I will attest to the power this plan of action has. It’s as if ‘over night’ your company grows by 50, 60, 100 thousand or whatever size route or firm you purchase. It doesn’t even matter what the size really, the boost is sometimes a huge catalyst that propels you with forward momentum or at the very least a small 
purchase may just shore up a light route into something solid. Recently I helped a good friend through a purchase of just a $25,000 lawn route to add to what he already has. He had resisted this kind of move for many years afraid of cancelations, no pays, the expense, the added bills, etc. etc. etc. Now, the deal was pretty smooth for him but as in all acquisitions there are some rough spots; people nervous about the new owner, some canceled and even a few surprises where prices might have been to low for all that was done. In the end, this paled in comparison to all the positive aspects and now my buddy is on the hunt again for even bigger fish to fry.
Do Like The Big Boys
So, if you’re looking to grow your business why not at least look at the same tactics as some of the largest companies in the world? Hey, when you boil it down they’re really just like you and me. One man/woman= one route. That tech can only do so much= one account at a time and even though they might report a BILLION dollars in annual sales– that mega company is still only as good as the service tech that comes out to the home in the mind of the house wife right? So, why 
not you? Why not start the ball rolling and explore the possibility. Check these two links for two business brokers I know and trust and maybe download some reports or shoot them an e-mail. Preferred Business Brokers — PestControlbiz.com— (there are more) You’ve really got nothing to lose and I even have a strategy of writing simple letters to companies I feel would be a good fit for me which you can read about here. Either way, if the worlds largest are getting larger maybe it’s something you should look at too. As a matter of fact, I’m just in the process now of writing a letter to offer my acquisition bid to a couple of companies now. Maybe you’ve heard of em– here’s the first line for you look at;)
Dear Terminix/Orkin/Home Team,
Have you considered selling your business yet? It can be a difficult decision and it more than likely has taken you years to build up your company to where it is today. The way in which you transfer your ownership will directly affect your customers and employees. For that reason I ask you to consider selling to The Bug Doctor. Our experienced staff of 6 know how to make the transition smooth and seamless…
I’ll let you know what they say.:)
