M&A 101: The Unofficial Survival Guide to Mergers and Acquisitions
Hey there, fellow M&A enthusiasts! 👋🏻 If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like in the world of M&A, you’re in the right place. Having navigated through a full year in this dynamic field, I’m here to share some key nuggets that go beyond the basics — these are the insider tips and unexpected truths that no formal course might teach you. This guide is all about the real, the raw, and the indispensable lessons learned from the front lines of deal-making.
👔 It’s Not All Suits and Boardrooms: First up, let’s debunk a myth — M&A isn’t all that glamorous. Sure, it sounds fancy, but what you really need are patience, resilience, and a decent grasp of basic finance. It’s less about high-level skills and more about enduring those marathon deal cycles.
⏳ A Test of Patience: Speaking of marathons, if you think deals wrap up in a few months, think again. You could be looking at anywhere from six months to two years. On average, deals take about 1.25 years — that’s around 15 months. So yes, you’ll need to buckle up for quite the ride.
🗣️ Chatterboxes Welcome: If your idea of a good time is crunching numbers in silence, M&A might stretch you thin. This field thrives on conversation, negotiation, and relationship building. It’s perfect for those who can talk shop all day and leave the spreadsheets for someone else.
👀 Under a Watchful Eye: If you land a great manager like I did, consider yourself lucky. You’ll get schooled in everything from crafting the perfect email to delivering pitches that stick and learning not to take the rough days personally.
✌🏻 Develop Thick Skin: This isn’t a place for the sensitive. You’ll face rejections, tough negotiations, and sometimes downright harsh feedback. Building a thick skin isn’t just recommended; it’s essential.
📈 Trends in the Industry: While the traditional sectors like home or professional services are favorites, there’s a noticeable pivot towards tech, particularly areas like application management. But if it’s adrenaline you seek, peek into the venture capital world — high risks but potentially massive rewards.
🫱🏻🫲🏽 Trust Equals Smooth Sailing: Earning trust is everything. Whether you’re advising buyers or sellers, being seen as a reliable, honest broker makes processes smoother and negotiations simpler.
👂🏻 Listen Like Your Career Depends on It: Because it does. Every detail matters, from offhand comments to the fine print in a contract. Get your note-taking game on point; it will save you more than just time — it could save the deal.
💬 Find That Personal Touch: Connecting on a personal level can make you stand out in a sea of advisors. Whether it’s a shared interest or a well-timed joke, these moments build rapport and can make all the difference in a tense negotiation.
🚀 Take the Initiative: The old playbook of nodding along and saying ‘yes’ to everything is outdated. Stand out by being proactive, ready, and willing to challenge ideas while showing your commitment to the shared vision.
🌟 Feedback Is Gold: Learn to differentiate between constructive criticism and noise. Embrace the former, ignore the latter, and use every piece of genuine feedback to forge ahead stronger and smarter.
✉️ Mastering the Inbox: Believe it or not, writing a clear, concise email is an art form — one that you’ll get plenty of practice in. Whether it’s a succinct follow-up or a detailed explanation, knowing how to communicate effectively via email is crucial.
💼 Jumpstart Your Career Here: M&A is a fantastic launchpad for any finance career. It offers a unique blend of exposure to high-stakes deals, top executives, and critical market dynamics that you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
Looking back on a year filled with as many ups as downs, I’m truly thankful for each challenge and every piece of wisdom gained along the way. These insights are now stepping stones for my next role in sustainable finance, where I’ll keep applying and expanding on what I’ve learned. While I’m gearing up to bring you fresh content with a slight twist towards sustainability, the gritty, practical business insights won’t stop.
Exciting news — I’m thrilled to announce I’ll be rebranding the blog to “The FinanceFlick ☀️️”. I’ll continue to dive deep into finance and business, but with a sharp focus on the greener part of it. This new lens will shape our discussions and help us explore how business practices can be more eco-friendly and future-focused.
That’s a wrap on “M&A 101”. Remember, every deal and every meeting isn’t just business; it’s a lesson in how to navigate the feral world of finance. Thanks for hanging out with me on this wild ride. Here’s to more adventures, and even more learning in the finance universe! 🪐
