Nailing Your Transition As A First Time Acquirer

The first few months post-acquisition are crucial for your new SMB

You have one shot to get off on the right foot

As a new owner, I focus on:

• Connecting face-to-face with every employee, from intern to executive. Taking time to ask about their roles, goals, and concerns. I listen more than I speak.

• Sharing my vision while respecting existing workflows. Change takes finesse, not force

• Learning why the business operates the way it does. Don’t think about changing ANYTHING until you understand it

• Earning trust by rolling up my sleeves, even for grunt work. I'm there to support the team, not replace them.

• Moving cautiously before letting underperformers go. I thoroughly learned who does what first. I might try to reposition a employee who's the right person but in the wrong seat

• Peppering in team lunches, 1:1s, and collaborative projects. Company culture shifts through connection

Nailing this transition period is key to your long-term success

The worst mistake you can make?

Sinking your new ship before it leaves port