Dr. Earl R. Smith II

Dr. Earl R. Smith II
Managing Partner, The Federal Circle
DrSmith@Dr-Smith.com
Dr-Smith.com

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/53236

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Very few entrepreneurs take the time to really study their company from the perspective of an investor. Those that do are often initially frustrated by what they see as a heartless and antiseptic assessment of the object of their passion and dedication. But, if they fight through those self-justifying tendencies and come to understand the investors perspective, they can substantially improve their chances of fathoming the process and, perhaps, of getting funded. The investor’s world is quite different from the entrepreneurs in many ways. But there are also similarities. Continue reading “The Money Chase: Oil and Water” »

Dr. Earl R. Smith II
Managing Partner, The Federal Circle
DrSmith@Dr-Smith.com
Dr-Smith.com

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Most M&A transactions fail to close for reasons that do not relate to the structure, timing or fairness of the deal. In fact, the emotional state of the principal seller is a far more potent factor than any thing that the lawyers or accountant might focus on. Increasing the chances of an actual closing involves helping the seller come to terms with the implications of the decision to sell.

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One of the most difficult decisions that a founder faces is when and to whom to sell his interest in a business – a business that he might have spent a considerable part of his adult life building. It is a decision that is often made and unmade many times along the way. Frequently and after much work and discussion, a founder will end up deciding not to sell. The result is lost time, resources and reputation. Continue reading “Mergers & Acquisitions: Thinking About Selling – Part I: Confronting the Reasons” »