In this episode of the Buying Online Businesses podcast, Jaryd Krause chats with Ben Dankiw about two exciting topics: the changing world of SEO with generative AI and what it’s like to sell a business and figure out what’s next.

Ben is a PPC expert and even a mathematician, with over 12 years of experience helping big brands like Porsche and Canadian Tire succeed online. He shares his story of selling a big part of his agency, what that process was like, and how he’s planning his next steps. Jaryd also gives Ben tips on how to take time to relax, reset, and choose the right business model that fits his goals and lifestyle.

They also dive into the future of SEO and ads. With Google no longer dominating search, platforms like Bing, Reddit, and others are changing the game. Ben and Jaryd talk about how businesses can keep their websites visible and what’s next for PPC ads, including trends for platforms like Meta in the coming years.

If you own a website, are thinking about buying one, or just want to stay ahead in online business, this episode is packed with simple, practical advice to help you grow and succeed. Don’t miss it!

Episode Highlights

04:30 Ben’s entrepreneurial journey

10:00 Do business that you love and support your lifestyle!

20:00 How to work on CRO?

28:20 How ChatGPT evolves?

36:10 Where to find Ben?

Key Takeaways

➥ Selling a business or a majority stake can provide freedom, but it’s important to take time to reflect and realign before starting something new. A clear vision for the future is essential. Use periods of transition to rediscover what excites and motivates you.

➥ Founders often struggle with self-worth and identity post-exit due to emotional attachment to their businesses. Recognizing and leveraging the broad range of transferable skills acquired during entrepreneurship is vital.

➥ Automation is reshaping paid search with tools like PMAX and Advantage+, emphasizing the need for strategic, full-funnel approaches. Generative AI is likely to redefine search queries, blending detailed prompts with AI-driven answers.

About The Guest

Ban Dankiw is a trained PPC specialist and mathematician (yes, really) with 12+ years of experience. Ben has been hyper-focused on the industry changes in both SEO and Search Ads over the past 5 years and understands the value that in-depth data analysis brings to search advertising. Blending together the right mix of business acumen, digital strategy, and execution precision allows Ben to deliver for his clients and brands. 

Connect with Ban Dankiw

➥ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brdankiw/

➥Agency: https://nav43.com/

➥Free Growth Plan: https://nav43.com/growth-plan/ 

Resource Links

➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/

➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com

➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/

➥Hostinger (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/3HUqW0s

➥ Surfer SEO (SEO tool for content writing) - https://bit.ly/3WWMKjM

➥ Active Campaign (Email Software Provider) - https://bit.ly/3DCwYQH

🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥

➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE

➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3WYX0Ve

➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO

➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR

*This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Buying Online Businesses podcast is here with another exciting episode! Hosted by Jaryd Krause, this episode explores what it really takes to buy or sell an eight-figure digital business. Joining the discussion is Mark Woodbury, Managing Director of Raincatcher Digital Division. Mark brings years of experience helping entrepreneurs evaluate and sell e-commerce stores, SaaS companies, media businesses, marketing agencies, and more.

Mark’s journey includes co-founding and leading a boutique brokerage that focused on digital businesses. He’s also been a featured guest on podcasts and conferences, sharing advice on how to reduce risks, prepare businesses for sale, and achieve top-dollar exits.

In this episode, Mark talks about:

• How to finance a seven- or eight-figure business purchase, from SBA loans to private equity.

• The types of buyers—like private equity firms and larger companies—who are acquiring these businesses.

• Steps business owners can take to make their digital businesses more valuable, whether in e-commerce, SaaS, or media.

• The importance of due diligence and why selling or buying a business often takes at least a year to do right.

This episode is perfect for anyone growing their portfolio, thinking about selling, or curious about scaling to the next level. It’s packed with tips and real-world examples. Don’t miss it!

Episode Highlights

03:00 How Mark started with the Raincatcher Digital Division?

09:30 How to prepare for a business exit?

17:00 A sneak peek to selling AI companies

28:00 Due diligence in mid-market businesses

33:30 Where to find Mark?

Key Takeaways

➥ Small businesses face more challenges finding buyers due to limited scalability and localized markets. Larger deals with diversified revenue streams and strong financial performance attract multiple bids.

➥ Entrepreneurs in AI or software development should recognize the value of their innovations in the eyes of larger SaaS companies.

➥ Acquisitions of companies in the $4M–$50M range are common, and financing often involves private equity (PE) funds. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans can go up to $8M but are capped, requiring alternative or creative financing options.

About The Guest

Mark Woodbury serves as Managing Director of the Raincatcher Digital Division which is dedicated to assisting successful entrepreneurs through the nuanced process of evaluating and selling their eCommerce, SaaS, media website, marketing agency or other digital service business.

Mark jumped on the opportunity to join the Raincatcher team and assist in building out the digital division after co-founding and acting as the CEO of a boutique brokerage firm that worked exclusively with digitally native companies.

Mark has been a guest on a handful of podcasts and conferences to discuss everything from the nuances of selling an Amazon business to how business owners can mitigate risk with content websites and prepare them for an optimal exit. 

Connect with Mark Woodbury 

➥ https://raincatcher.com/teammate/mark-woodbury-2/

➥ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-woodbury/

Resource Links

➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/

➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com

➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/

➥ GoDaddy (Website Hosting & Buying Domains) - https://bit.ly/3YiRkWV

➥ Mangools (SEO tool) - https://bit.ly/3wV4hLc

➥ Ezoic (Ad Network) - https://bit.ly/3NuVR5P

🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥

➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE

➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3WYX0Ve

➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO

➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR

*This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ability to evaluate an online business for sale and instantly determine financing options on a global scale is becoming a reality, thanks to Flippa’s innovative approach. In this episode of the Buying Online Businesses podcast, Jaryd Krause speaks with Blake Hutchison, CEO of Flippa, about the evolving landscape of online business acquisitions and market trends.

Blake Hutchison, who has led Flippa for over six years, shares insights from the world’s largest marketplace for buying and selling online businesses. Serving over 2 million users and facilitating nearly $1.5 billion in sales, Flippa has become a key player in the industry.

This episode explores:

• The current state of the online business acquisition market and its growth trajectory.

• Variations in business valuations based on industries, markets, and economic conditions.

• The stability of multiples for online businesses compared to broader markets.

• Popular business models, including eCommerce, YouTube channels, newsletters, and Amazon businesses.

• Flippa’s new financing initiative, making funding for acquisitions accessible globally through a partnership with a leading fintech company.

• The role of Flippa Privates and broker collaborations in scaling transactions.

The discussion also highlights the significance of Flippa meetups, which foster connections within the online business community and provide valuable networking opportunities.

This episode offers a comprehensive overview for anyone interested in online business acquisitions, whether they are newcomers or seasoned professionals seeking to refine their strategies. Packed with actionable insights, it’s a must-listen for understanding valuations, market trends, and opportunities in the digital business space.

Episode Highlights

03:00 Flippa’s volume of transaction since inception

11:30 More demand for small assets 

21:00 Be a smart business buyer

34:00 YouTube Channels are in demand!

39:00 Amazon businesses are not done

Key Takeaways

➥ Flippa provides valuable data and support for navigating acquisitions, with tools to assist buyers in evaluating businesses amidst fluctuating economic conditions.

➥ High-quality businesses with healthy growth, repeatable operations, and predictable revenue continue to maintain strong valuation multiples, even amidst changing market conditions.

➥ Misinformation from online sources can lead to wasted time and effort for prospective buyers who adopt unaligned strategies. Buyers must approach acquisitions with a clear understanding of market realities.

About The Guest

Blake Hutchison CEO of Flippa for over 6 years now, which is the largest marketplace online for buying and selling online businesses. Serving over 2 million users and facilitating almost a billion dollars in sales. 

Connect with Blake Hutchison

➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3wGa8r5

Resource Links

➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/

➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com

➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/

➥ Site Ground (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/3JBEC1u

➥ Surfer SEO (SEO tool for content writing) - https://bit.ly/3WWMKjM

➥ Convert Kit (Email Software Provider) - https://bit.ly/3o10Xgx

🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥

➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE

➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3WYX0Ve

➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO

➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR

*This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What sets the most successful business minds apart when it comes to building wealth and creating lasting impact? In this episode, Jaryd Krause welcomes David Schnider to dive into this critical topic.

David Schnider, a seasoned entrepreneur, brings years of experience in navigating the online business world. With a track record of building, scaling, and successfully exiting multiple ventures, he offers insights into the art of knowing when to step away from a business and how to identify the right opportunities for acquisition.

Throughout this episode, David shares his strategic approach to evaluating business value, avoiding costly mistakes, and aligning acquisitions with long-term objectives. The discussion touches on the mindset required to execute profitable exits, the key factors that drive successful business models, and how entrepreneurs can create growth with minimal stress.

This episode serves as a masterclass for anyone looking to transition between businesses, scale strategically, and learn from one of the sharpest minds in the field. Whether it's insights into acquisition or lessons from past failures and successes, you will walk away equipped with strategies to achieve business success.

Episode Highlights

02:45 The first business David sold and why?

07:00 Knowing when to sell your business is crucial

14:00 Smart questions in buying and selling businesses 

20:00 David’s case study

28:00 Where to find David?

Key Takeaways

➥ Begin preparing 6–12 months in advance to ensure your business is in optimal shape for potential buyers. Decisions made during this period can significantly impact your valuation.

➥ External factors like regulatory changes (e.g., GDPR) or market shifts can create uncertainty. Selling at the right time can help you avoid future complications.

➥ Emotional attachment to a business can cloud judgment. Combine financial reasoning with personal factors like burnout to make the best decision.

About The Guest

David Schnider for the last 15 years has worked as a Serial Entrepreneur, launching several remote businesses in the services and software industries that have reached millions of dollars in sales. Nowadays he runs Shortlist.io, a boutique digital marketing agency. Their team is 20 people strong and they work on cool problems.

Connect with David Schnider

➥ www.shortlist.io

Resource Links

➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/

➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com

➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/

➥ Hostinger (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/3HUqW0s

➥ SEM Rush (SEO tool) - https://bit.ly/3lINGaV

➥ Active Campaign (Email Software Provider) - https://bit.ly/3DCwYQH

🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥

➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE

➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3WYX0Ve

➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO

➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR

*This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What sets the best business minds apart, and how do they consistently achieve extraordinary results despite facing challenges?

In this episode of the Buying Online Businesses podcast, Jaryd Krause welcomes Liam Donnelly, an entrepreneur with over 11 years of experience. Liam’s journey is a testament to resilience, marked by significant failures—such as competing against Alex Hormozi in the gym coaching space from 2018 to 2020—and extraordinary achievements, including generating $100K in cash profit in a single day.

Today, Liam is the founder of Outlier Content Co., a leading social media content company. He believes that the modern business landscape has shifted, making social media marketing a critical tool for branding and client attraction. Liam considers Outlier Content Co. to be one of the best in the world at business-focused social media content, with its growth serving as a case study for his forward-thinking strategies.

In this conversation, Jaryd and Liam explore the mindset and strategies that drive business success.

The episode covers:

• The failures and lessons that shaped Liam’s entrepreneurial journey.

• Insights into building businesses worth tens of millions of dollars.

• The key components of highly profitable business models and why some succeed despite average leadership.

• The value of masterminds, communities, and personal growth in achieving success.

• Methods to scale businesses effectively with minimal stress.

Liam’s strategic thinking and deep understanding of business operations make him a standout in the field. 

For anyone wanting to learn from a brilliant business mind and elevate their approach, this conversation is a must-listen.

Episode Highlights

04:00 Liam’s entrepreneurship journey

15:00 How to cut your losses in business?

24:00 Understanding the business model is crucial for success!

33:00 Beat your competitors with highly effective systematic strategies

40:30 Prioritizing specificity over a large addressable market can drive better results

57:00 Where to find Liam

Key Takeaways

➥ Effective mentorship doesn’t always meet expectations but can provide key insights that shape long-term success.

➥ Failure is often a stepping stone to eventual success, offering lessons in humility and resourcefulness.

➥ Social media often glamorizes entrepreneurship, but behind the scenes, most business owners face challenges, doubts, and setbacks.

About The Guest

Liam Donnelly started his first online business 11 years ago. Since then he has had many failures (like competing toe-to-toe with Hormozi coaching gyms from 2018-2020) but also a few successes. His go-to "humble" brag is that he achieved his "4minute mile" of doing more than $100,000 cash profit in a single day. His new company, Outlier Content Co., is a social media content company (SMMCs)

Liam strongly believes that SMMCs will be more and more in demand as business owners realize that the modern day landscape of brand building and client attraction has changed.

He strongly believes his company is one of the best in the world at business social media content & his own content (and growth of Outlier Content Co.) will be an ever evolving case study of this.

Connect with Liam Donnelly  

➥ https://www.instagram.com/liamdonnellyx/

➥ https://www.youtube.com/@LiamDonnellyX

Resource Links

➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/

➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com

➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/

➥ Cloud Ways (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/40tjyjG

➥ Surfer SEO (SEO tool for content writing) - https://bit.ly/3WWMKjM

➥ Ezoic (Ad Network) - https://bit.ly/3NuVR5P

🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥

➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE

➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3WYX0Ve

➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO

➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR

*This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Buying Online Businesses Podcast welcomes Mario Peshev for an insightful discussion on acquisitions, scaling, and exit strategies. Mario is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 14 years of experience in buying and selling businesses. He has successfully bootstrapped multiple startups to seven-figure revenues and serves as the CEO of DevriX, a prominent digital marketing agency.

As a best-selling author of MBA Disrupted, an angel investor, and an advisor on several company boards, Mario brings a wealth of knowledge to this episode. Listeners will gain valuable insights into:

• Mario’s experience with 15+ acquisitions, ranging from micro-businesses under $20K to larger strategic deals exceeding $200K.

• The distinction between strategic acquisitions, aimed at growth and synergy, and financial acquisitions, focused on profitability.

• His methods for scaling businesses within DevriX, merging acquisitions, and managing them alongside his primary operations.

• The critical importance of due diligence when acquiring a business to avoid potential pitfalls.

The episode also explores how Mario has helped businesses expand, exit, and thrive through innovative strategies and M&A expertise. Whether a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this discussion offers practical advice and insights.

Tune in for an engaging conversation with strategies to improve your business endeavors.

Let’s dive in!

Episode Highlights

02:00 What type of businesses Mario bought

12:00 How to decide on what business to buy?

20:20 What is the cost-benefit analysis of buying a business?

29:30 VC expects exorbitant ROI

Key Takeaways

➥ Focused on assets with clear revenue streams and a 12–18 month return on investment.

➥ Acquired websites or directories often lose traffic when the founder stops promoting them.

➥ Begin with smaller, strategic acquisitions to test ideas before committing to larger investments.

About The Guest

Mario Peshev is a serial entrepreneur who has over 14 years experience in buying and selling online businesses. He’s bootstrapped multiple startups from zero to 7 figures, he’s an angel investor, best selling author of MBA Disrupted and CEO of Devrix and digital marketing agency. 

Connect with Mario Peshev  

➥ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpeshev/

➥ https://devrix.com/

Resource Links

➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/

➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com

➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/

➥ Cloud Ways (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/40tjyjG

➥ Surfer SEO (SEO tool for content writing) - https://bit.ly/3WWMKjM

➥ Ezoic (Ad Network) - https://bit.ly/3NuVR5P

🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥

➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE

➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3WYX0Ve

➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO

➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR

*This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if acquiring the finance to buy an online business was easier than expected? What if it turned out that you didn’t need as much upfront capital as you thought? In this episode, Jaryd Krause explores these questions with Ami Kassar.

Ami Kassar is the founder and CEO of MultiFunding, a Philadelphia-based consulting firm specializing in helping business owners across the U.S. find creative, cost-saving financing alternatives. With over 20 years of experience, Ami is a thought leader in the field, frequently advising major institutions like the Federal Reserve Bank, the White House, and Congress. He is also a sought-after speaker at national business events.

In this conversation, Jaryd and Ami cover a wide range of topics related to financing online business acquisitions. They discuss everything from the minimum deposits and credit score requirements to how to acquire multiple businesses and build a portfolio using SBA-backed loans. They also dive into how to scale a business portfolio and share key insights into the strategic steps involved in growing a successful online business empire.

For those looking to buy their first online business or expand their portfolio, this episode is packed with valuable information to help navigate the complexities of business finance.

Let’s get started!

Episode Highlights

02:30 Process of buying a business using financing

10:00 Explore SBA first!

18:00 Not every lender fits every situation

24:30 Know your risk tolerance when buying a business!

Key Takeaways

➥ Online businesses often lack physical collateral, so lenders focus on cash flow when approving loans. This makes SBA loans a good fit for financing online businesses.

➥ SBA loans typically offer better terms than private lenders, who might offer quicker, riskier loans with shorter repayment periods. The SBA’s longer repayment terms (up to 10 years) are often more manageable.

➥ Business owners should be cautious about overleveraging themselves, particularly when buying smaller businesses as their first venture. It's essential to ensure the business is stable enough to handle debt repayment.

About The Guest

Ami Kassar, author of The Growth Dilemma, speaks nationally to entrepreneurs and business owners who desire money to grow their companies, improve cash flow and/or restructure debt.

Ami is the founder and chief executive officer of Multifunding LLC, a Philadelphia based consulting firm that specializes in helping business owners across the United States develop creative, cost-saving alternatives for their business debt needs and structure.

For over twenty years as the “go-to” thought leader in business financing, Ami is frequently quoted in national media and is a sought-after speaker at business and industry events across the country. Including advisory for the White House, the Treasury Department, Congress, and the Federal Reserve Bank.

Connect with Ami Kassar 

➥ https://www.multifunding.com/

➥ MultiFunding LinkedIn

Resource Links

➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/

➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com

➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/

➥ GoDaddy (Website Hosting & Buying Domains) - https://bit.ly/3YiRkWV

➥ SEM Rush (SEO tool) - https://bit.ly/3lINGaV

➥ Active Campaign (Email Software Provider) - https://bit.ly/3DCwYQH

🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥

➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE

➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3WYX0Ve

➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO

➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR

*This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to build a business you love—and sustain that love for decades, even into your 80s and 90s? In this episode, Jaryd is thrilled to sit down with Michael E. Gerber, the legendary author of The E-Myth Revisited, a New York Times bestseller. Michael is not only a prolific author of more than 30 books but also recognized by Inc. magazine as the world’s #1 small business guru.

Together, they explore the secrets behind his unparalleled success in building the world’s largest small business consulting firm and helping countless entrepreneurs overcome the staggering failure rates of new businesses. Michael shares insights from his revolutionary eight-step path to business success, a system that has transformed businesses across countless industries and models.

They also dive deep into the common barriers business owners face—like emotional blockages and self-doubt—and Michael's strategies for breaking through them. As he passionately explains, success isn’t just about following a system but also about having the mindset to embrace it fully.

Michael reveals his ambitious goal of writing 190+ books and how his love for business fuels this extraordinary vision. At 88 years young, his passion for business is both inspiring and contagious, leaving us all wondering: what’s the secret to loving what you do for life?

This conversation is packed with value, wisdom, and insights from one of the greatest business minds of our time. Tune in and create a business—and a life—you love.

Episode Highlights

03:00 About Michael’s written books

07:00 How to scale a business?

15:00 Michael’s advice for entrepreneurs

21:30 How to have a long-term passion for your business?

30:00 Passion to create is the “key”

Key Takeaways

➥ Successful entrepreneurs must transition from working in the business to working on the business by implementing scalable systems and stepping out of the day-to-day operations.

➥ Entrepreneurs often face internal resistance, such as self-doubt and limiting narratives. Gerber’s system addresses these by emphasizing discipline and a clear focus on foundational goals.

➥ A guided process where entrepreneurs clarify their dream, vision, purpose, and mission—the essential foundation for building a thriving business.

About The Guest

Michael E. Gerber is the author of the mega-seller “The E-myth Revisited”, NYT best seller for 2 decades, has written 28 other business coaching books, keynote speaker on over 400 stages and and Inc. Magazine called him  “The worlds #1 small business guru”.

Connect with Michael E. Gerber 

➥ https://www.michaelegerbercompanies.com/ 

Resource Links

➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/

➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com

➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/

➥ Hostinger (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/3HUqW0s

➥ Market Muse (SEO tool) - https://bit.ly/3Me39L0

➥ Convert Kit (Email Software Provider) - https://bit.ly/3o10Xgx

🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥

➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE

➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3WYX0Ve

➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO

➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR

*This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What can you learn from someone who has acquired 21 businesses? In this special episode of the Buying Online Businesses podcast, Jaryd Krause speaks with Dirk Sahlmer, a former mechanical engineer who has transformed into a serial SaaS acquirer and a prominent figure in the world of mergers and acquisitions. Dirk shares his remarkable journey from the engineering field to becoming a key player in the SaaS and tech acquisition space.

You will hear about Dirk’s transition from his early engineering career into the world of SaaS and M&A, detailing how he and his team went from acquiring one business a year to managing multiple acquisitions annually. The conversation explores essential insights into funding strategies—whether for established business owners or those looking to make their first acquisition—and dives into the complexities of merging multiple businesses under a single umbrella, including why merging isn’t always the ideal strategy.

This episode offers a deep dive into the strategies behind building a conglomerate or holding company for software businesses. From growth and retention to the nuances of SaaS acquisitions, Dirk’s wealth of experience provides valuable advice for scaling SaaS businesses.

Hit the ‘Play’ button to tune in!

Episode Highlights

02:00 Dirk’s journey into SaaS acquisitions

05:20 Type of businesses Dirk acquiring

14:40 How to raise funds for acquisition?

21:40 How to source deals?

29:30 How acquire and merger a business?

Key Takeaways

➥ For beginners in SaaS acquisitions, starting with smaller, cash-based acquisitions can minimize financial risks and establish credibility.

➥ Acquiring businesses with proven product-market fit, steady revenue, and low operational complexity often yields better results than turnaround or speculative projects.

➥ When seeking bank financing for online businesses, it’s often better to show numbers rather than explaining the model. Using seller financing (aiming for around 20-30%) can be beneficial as it reduces upfront costs and demonstrates seller confidence in the business.

About The Guest

Dirk Sahlmer was a mechanical engineer, now Saas deal hunter and acquirer. He shares insights on Saas, M&A, strating, scaling and existing software businesses. 

Connect with Dirk Sahlmer 

➥ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirksahlmer/

➥ https://www.saas.wtf/

Resource Links

➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/

➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com

➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/

➥ Motion Invest (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO

➥ SEM Rush (SEO tool) - https://bit.ly/3lINGaV

➥ Active Campaign (Email Software Provider) - https://bit.ly/3DCwYQH

🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥

➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE

➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3WYX0Ve

➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO

➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR

*This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Buying Online Businesses podcast. Today, Jaryd speaks with Neil Twa, a master of 8-figure ecom brand acquisitions who has achieved this scale without using his own money. Neil is the CEO and co-founder of Voltage Holdings, a company that specializes in launching, consulting, selling, and acquiring e-commerce brands across Amazon FBA and multiple channels. With over 15 years of experience in private label sales on Amazon and more than 17 years in building businesses both online and offline, Neil brings expertise grounded in his background as a former IBM senior executive.

Neil has successfully launched five brands of his own, generating tens of millions in revenue, and has been instrumental in helping more than a thousand other e-commerce brands grow through Voltage’s consulting and mentoring services. In this discussion, Neil reveals how he creatively finances his acquisitions through veteran-backed partnerships, sometimes even selling companies back to veterans. He explains his process for identifying ideal businesses to acquire, the strategies behind rolling up and growing these companies, and his two-year plan for potential expansions and exits.

This conversation dives into the crucial differences between ecommerce brand owners who scale and those who stagnate, and the mindset shifts required to achieve lasting growth. Neil shares his insights on the three essential levers for driving a company from seven to eight figures, providing valuable takeaways for anyone interested in acquiring or scaling an online business. This episode is packed with expertise, making it a must-listen for aspiring and seasoned online business owners alike. Let’s dive in.

Episode Highlights

02:30 Strategies in ecom marketing

10:50 How Neil started in business acquisitions?

17:00 Raising a capital

26:20 Neil on buying more businesses!

33:10 How to scale eCom businesses?

39:45 Where to find Neil?

Key Takeaways

➥ Acquiring brands in the same niche (like home and kitchen) allows for a roll-up strategy, enabling scale and efficiency by managing various brands under one roof.

➥ Jaryd advises against acquiring businesses in unfamiliar areas without proper experience or guidance, emphasizing that expertise in the market or the guidance of a mentor is critical to avoid costly mistakes.

➥ Emphasizing the importance of thorough vetting, Krause reveals that Voltage Holdings evaluates numerous businesses to identify the right acquisition targets, estimating they will review around 1,000 companies to meet their goal of acquiring five by 2025. Due diligence includes financial and operational assessments to avoid acquiring problematic businesses, especially in light of past market fluctuations that led to overvalued acquisitions.

About The Guest

Neil Twa is the CEO / Co-Founder of Voltage Holdings, a company specializing in launching, consulting, selling and acquiring brands with a focus on the e-commerce channels such as Amazon FBA and multi-channel. More than fifteen years of experience selling private label products on Amazon and his company. For over 17 years, Mr. Twa has been constructing businesses both online and offline after departing his senior IBM role. Since 2012, he's launched 5+ personal brands, generated 10's of millions in revenues as 8 figures sellers, and assisted in the growth of 1000+ others through consulting, coaching, and mentoring alongside partner Reed and their Voltage team.

Connect with Neil Twa

➥ https://www.voltagedm.com/

➥ https://www.voltagedm.com/book

➥ https://high-voltage-business-builders.simplecast.com/

Resource Links

➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/

➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com

➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/

➥ Hostinger (Website Hosting) - https://bit.ly/3HUqW0s

➥ Surfer SEO (SEO tool for content writing) - https://bit.ly/3lINGaV

➥ Ezoic (Ad Network) - https://bit.ly/3NuVR5P

🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥

➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE

➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3WYX0Ve

➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO

➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR

*This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's holding you back from buying an online business? In this solo episode of the Buying Online Businesses podcast, Jaryd Krause takes on listener questions, diving into key topics that often challenge aspiring online business owners. Recently, Jaryd reached out to his audience, asking, "If you could have a free coaching session with me, what are the top three questions you'd ask?" The response was overwhelming, so he dedicated this episode to answer as many as possible.

Listeners can expect valuable insights on essential topics like mindset, AI trends, shifts in search, content site opportunities, and alternative business models. Jaryd also covers important considerations around risks, niche selection, business size, funding methods, and overcoming money blockages. For those looking to take their next steps in online business, this episode offers golden nuggets of advice. 

Catch this episode and explore more about online businesses!

Episode Highlights

03:45 How to sell a low revenue company?

08:50 When do you need a mentor?

15:30 Do you need to focus on profits when buying a business?

22:00 How to scale an online business?

33:00 What online business to buy?

Key Takeaways

➥ Jaryd emphasizes the importance of thorough due diligence, recommending his framework to mitigate risks. For smaller deals, investing in a due diligence framework rather than high-cost external advisors may be more economical.

➥ Building a network, joining relevant groups, and engaging in cold outreach can help find deals before they reach larger brokers or platforms, allowing buyers to secure potentially better opportunities.

➥ Scaling an online business to high profitability, such as $250K annually, is possible but typically requires substantial experience, dedication, and a long-term vision. Success in this arena often hinges on persistence, problem-solving, and staying committed rather than rapid gains with minimal experience.

Resource Links

➥ Sell your business to us here - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/sell-your-business/

➥ Buying Online Businesses Website - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com

➥ Download the Due Diligence Framework - https://buyingonlinebusinesses.com/freeresources/

➥ GoDaddy (Website Hosting & Buying Domains) - https://bit.ly/3YiRkWV

➥ SEM Rush (SEO tool) - https://bit.ly/3lINGaV

➥ Convert Kit (Email Software Provider) - https://bit.ly/3o10Xgx

🔥Buy & Sell Online Businesses Here (Top Website Brokers We Use) 🔥

➥ Empire Flippers - https://bit.ly/3RtyMkE

➥ Flippa - https://bit.ly/3WYX0Ve

➥ Motion Invest - https://bit.ly/3YmJAmO

➥ Investors Club - https://bit.ly/3ZpgioR

*This post may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site/posts at no additional cost to you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.