Looking on tips from folks that have gone through a 2nd acquisition. We recently closed on a niche business after running a self-funded local search and are realizing that a lot of our competitors, not surprisingly, are all folks in their 60s and potentially could be looking into retirement. I've identified a list of 400+ targets and have begun my outreach. However, we did finance with the SBA and I want to be cognizant that we've recently acquired (Oct###-###-#### and that while we may not look to acquire immediately, I would like us to be top of mind to our competitors/potential sellers when they look to exit the industry.

From those that have done it, any tips on:
1) How early is too early? How do you know when it's the right time?
2) How to communicate the message of "we're interested, but not in a rush....but think of us, please?"
3) How did you decide whether to even acquire? vs. organic growth, or both?

Thank you all!