Coca Cola’s Largest Acquisition in the companies history. Jameson Sharp shares their market business strategy.
https://www.ntd.com/coca-cola-acquires-sports-drink-bodyarmor_696177.html
News Website NTD Business News Segment
JS
Author Archives: admin
Coca Cola & Body Armor Acquisition
Largest Coca Cola Acquisition in the History of the Company
Sky Business News and the NTD International Business News in New York City, Manhattan. Asked for my personal opinion on acquisition strategy of Coca Cola. Coca Cola just completed it’s largest Acquisition in History. Watch the full segment here.
If your a Business Journalist or Reporter in Business and your News Organization needs someone to share market insights, analysis inside the Mergers and Acquisition Business space? I would be happy to do so for the Tech Industry and Beverage Industry.
Watch the Full Broadcast live from New York City, Wall Street below
For the full Broadcast of all segments during the News Period on Wall Street in New York City, Manhattan watch below.
I would like to say Thank you to Accountant and Business Reporter Hensi Chen for the opportunity.
Frankenstein’s Lab Happy Halloween
Since I do have a bit of a film making background, here is a short video I filmed on the go this Halloween weekend.
I deeply appreciate my Friends the Abnos Family for the wonderful Birthday wishes, lovely Dinner, Wine, and company. ❤️
Id like to Thank the Catholic Church for Hallows Eve Mass. 🎃 #halloween2021 #halloween
Create Trust In Business Negotiations?
So you would like to improve your negotiating and communication as a Business Entrepreneur? I got you covered. Read on
Be Choosy Who You Take Lessons From
Some Internet Guru’s will share this strategy, which instructs you to keep Emotion out of your Business Negotiations. But the truth is? We all know very well emotion drives many individuals conversations. With these suggestions, personal strategies, and books I am sharing. I can only hope you would Thank me one day for this information I am revealing here. After all I have been a Entrepreneur most of my life. And this knowledge has taken me a lifetime to acquire. So I do hope you appreciate the honest approach’s I use when communicating and Negotiating in business.
If you stop and really think about conversations with other humans. Every conversation with someone is likely a Negotiation of some sort. So what should your strategy be? Let’s take a example and expand on this thought. We first need to ask. “Should you be so detailed about sharing your wants that you get lost in the weeds?” Answer No. That isn’t likely to work whatsoever. However if you seek to understand the person your communicating with. You will likely land on the details, needs, and wants of the other person. And after you listen to their needs and wants. You should repeat this information back to them. And it’s very likely the person will love you for this. Gaining you trust and respect. This is much better than just talking with no strategy at all.
Seek To Understand Others
Seeking to understand always will be a smooth way to communicate empathy. Rather than talking with no direction or strategy. It seems appropriate to introduce a businessman and friend. He was generous enough to follow me on Twitter, then made me understand. I should always seek to understand people needs and wants as a strategy during Business negotiations. This will help you more than just talking with no direction. Most importantly implement the use of empathy. This good man’s name is Mr. Marcus Lemonis. Marcus is the CEO of Camping World. Has his own TV Shows on CNBC Networks. He runs his own Investment fund not to mention is fantastic to contact when needing direction. The one thing that makes Marcus wildly successful? Is his understanding that to be able to communicate effectively and efficiently.
Listen Intently
Honestly I have had issues in the past listening to others. So sure! I have forgotten to use my own lessons at times. But this lesson is critical for your success. You must listen intently to others. Listening allows you to seek to understand the other persons needs and wants. While being honest and collaborative. Marcus has always taught his people using manipulation tactics from Internet Gurus will be seen as unnatural and extremely manipulative. Be very careful who you accept your information from. In the current environment of internet marketing content. It’s best to take your lessons from a Man who has business credibility and a proven trust worthy track record. Marcus is one of several proven leaders I look to adopt lessons from.
Another Personal friend and Professional I must mention is US Army Major Chase Spears. Chase has his own Communications & Public Relations consultancy, is a writer and Warfighter. And as an Officer serving in the United States Army, Chase has shared with me personal lesson’s that no doubt helps individuals communicate more efficiently not to mention effectively. Be about serving those your speaking with. While being helpful to these professionals in your daily communications. It pays massive dividends.
Servant Leadership
Having the ability to be a rock solid leader and be known to demonstrate strength is all about being a servant and leader combined. Serve others needs and they will respect your availability. Another nugget of advice that does help during negotiations. Is being completely transparent, but firm. Never deviate from this. People do not respect a leader who is not firm. I know your probably concerned about others ability to be dishonest during negotiations. However there are ways of identifying if a persons negotiating behavior is being dishonest. To help you read this book here. Chris Voss “Never Split the Difference” . This has been my foundation for negotiating and communicating. Mr. Voss’s book & experience is world class. The lessons in Never Split the Difference, are simply invaluable to me.
Be Approachable
Be the man or woman everyone can call or personally approach if something your working on is not moving forward like you thought it would. Being known as the woman or man who can fix situations. Is a fantastic reputation to have. For example: If your team has been inundated with requests to keep your business plan moving and someone or a problem develops that could end your career? You must know how to competently be the guy or gal everyone looks to when problems need to be solved. Let’s be realistic for a moment. Most employee’s are scared to death of making the wrong decision. And honestly they go about their business and put the issue on the back burner. They would rather neglect the situation. Than face upper management and negotiate a plan of action to remedy the situation. Be approachable for your people and others during transactions. It pays massive dividends.
In conclusion summing up the all the little personal pointers on Earning a persons trust during a Negotiations. A. Choose carefully who you adopt your lessons and information from. It could boost your future success. B. Do be detailed when communicating with others. C. Repeat back to the individual their needs and wants will earn their trust faster and respect. D. Seek to understand them and their position. Once you have clearly demonstrated your willingness to understand. You immediately become more engaging. And it’s likely they will come to you in the future. Because you took the time to “LISTEN”.
Thank you for reading, if this article provided you with skills and information you found useful? Please be sure to share.
JS
“Wall Street Lawyers” are secret weapons in Business
Business owners and Entrepreneurs I would highly suggest you reach out to current or former “Wall Street Lawyers” “Attorneys”. Just having a few as personal friends can and will enable you to bypass the normal road blocks entrepreneurs encounter. Examples? Taxes, fund raising, advice on forming a LLC or partnership or other advice. It’s the only way to move forward as a Entrepreneur. They honestly are that damn vital for your shared personal and professional success. Period.
I would love to take this opportunity to share a Wall Street Transactional Business Attorney I just connected with. I connected with him by watching his energetic online videos, and just reaching out about his guidance in his videos.
Mr. Ennico is an Best Selling Author, Entrepreneur Columnist, Business Attorney, Community Leader and My Friend who is going to be on our Finance Podcast. His insight and energy is on point and I can’t imagine not having his input and advice as I navigate the Executive halls of Corporate Negotiations and deal making. His name is Mr. Cliff Ennico ESQ.
I am very happy to add, Mr. Cliff Ennico to my Website of Business Professionals. Cliff has authored several invaluable books for Business Owners. And between me and you? I have to list a few important content platforms about Mr. Ennico that should be mandatory for all entrepreneurs to read and watch.
Cliff’s Youtube Channel – A must watch for anyone who is in Business.
Business Book’s
As you can see Cliff is certainly an expert in the Field of Law. Please feel free to reach out and watch his video’s, check out his impressive content collection of Books. His website is certainly full of interesting content that is helpful to Entrepreneurs and Business Executives alike.
Thank’s Again Cliff. Im happy we connected good sir.
JS
How To Partner & Recruit Big 4 Firm Accountants
Warning this is a No Bull guide to recruiting an Accountant that is World Class. And will take ownership when they need to. So dial in and read carefully. I would also trust but verify during due diligence. Always.
It’s vital for all entrepreneurs to have a close friend and advisor who is a Rockstar Sr. Partner of one of the Big 4 Accounting Firms. Or if this is not accessible to you as a Entrepreneur. Recruit from the pool of Partners at large Regional firms who are professional Business Advisors and Tax Advisors. Be mindful its good to have at least two professional accountants who are experts in Tax and Transaction Advisors. And a Tax Attorney for good measure.
Who do you look at as a Possible Partner to approach?
This post is going based on my experience since I have had to do this several times being I am a M&A Entrepreneur. The best qualifications for Partners of Accounting firms you targeting as a Entrepreneur? Don’t actually begin with fancy Degrees or Elitist College. I will say it’s nice to have a Partner Accountant who has this, but in my experience it’s not needed. But what is needed are 2 qualities. And also need at least 10 years of Transactional Experience. Interestingly Partners of big firms often are often sought after. But to me this is a huge mistake. Just simply from the life experience they possess and leadership from their life at a Big Firm. They honestly are secret weapons in Entrepreneurship. We are lucky to have two Big Firm Sr. Partners from PWC and KPMG on my team. They are named John M. And Tim O.
A. Transactional Experience. When a Partner served years as an Associate with their firm. More than likely they spent years cultivating and crafting their advisory experiences. Forming personal relationships with many Senior Executives across the world as they work closely together. Due Diligence during and before Transactions are where they will be extremely effective as you build your investment group or business foundation as a Entrepreneur. Search Funds usually have Accountants with experience mentor Search Fund entrepreneurs along their search.
Accountants are also your best friend when it comes to Business accounting practices, also it’s important to have their guidance, advice and looking at Taxes and the path forward for your venture. It’s absolutely vital an Experienced accountant be present when looking at deals and transactions. No excuses period.
B. Your accountant should have solid integrity. Meaning if he exaggerates in any way during your first 6 months of knowing him. Discard and start over with new interviews immediately. Integrity to me is the ultimate qualifier. If I can surreptitiously evaluate our conversations. Along with our advisory content while listening with my gut feeling? You will know if you can trust this Accountant and partner. Then monitor their performance as needed.
What professional experience matters when considering an Accountant?
When choosing an Accountant one of the Men who taught me how to be a super informed Entrepreneur is my fellow Navy Veteran and Naval Officer the Honorable Mr. Ross Perot. Navy Lt. Perot shared in his Book “My Life & Principals for success” Ross Perot shares in the book “Employ a First -rate accountant. Absolute loyalty and integrity is essential. They should be detail oriented. Excellent Grades in College. Both a CPA and Law Degree Specializing in Tax and corporate law. Experience with a major CPA Firm. END.” Now Ross likes accountants with Law Degrees. I would say it’s fine to have a newly retired Partner from large firm. And a TAX M&A Attorney to cover your bases. But definitely have one of Both. But for this purpose of Accountants? Definitely recruit an Experienced Accountant from a large firm. You should be safe on your journey after you heed this advice.
How a new entrepreneur can get the best Accountants to interview?
How does a entrepreneur with NO Business experience and No impressive winning Credentials or Track record for that matter. Go out in the intimidating business world and schedule interviews with super successful Accountants for your growing team? I would like to offer a solution that worked for me. Ok Now this is very personal. So I do hope you take this hard fought wisdom. And use it wisely. And pass it along to struggling entrepreneurs. But first let me tell you something about personal commitment. I went out in to the crazy big world researched for months possible candidates who would possibly be a good fit as a partner & mentor. And in the end I amazingly Recruited an American Billionaire just from a cold email and cold call. Ya that’s bragging rights right there. lol But I digress. In order for you to recruit a world class Accountant. I would hope you have some sort of track record to bring to the table. And if you don’t your not out of luck. I would first focus on partnering with a local Ultra Successful entrepreneur. So at least you have something attractive and a fraction of credibility.
What is the most important issue when interviewing the Accountant?
This will be very short. The most important issue is deciding if the Accountants natural energy and conversational flow. Compliments yours. Do you have a good feeling? And make sure your gut tells your inner voice they are a good fit. Make your decision only after 3 or 4 interviews.
What questions should you ask?
Have a list already prepared. And do look at some of the points I have previously mentioned above in this How to guide. It’s all really up to you. However if you really want to ask some deep diving questions? Have the Accountant tell you about their career progression. And ask about some of the transactions that were the most enjoyable. This should be a great start to a great relationship.
I do appreciate you reading this far into my disruptive pattern of thoughts and advice. If you received something worth your time here? Please be sure to comment, like and share the Article on Linkedin or whichever social media platform you use. I do not get paid for my Blog of growing Business experience. However I do like to write about things that I have learned. And I hope just maybe. The things I have learned the hard way will be learned and put to use by a new Entrepreneur reading this blog. That to me is giving back to my community and it’s honestly my duty.
Thank you for reading and I do hope you return to have questions answered again one day.
JS
Watch the Movie here on my Blog.
I recently was watching University of Waterloo & Mink Capital CIO Steve Balaban on his Private Equity and Investment Fund Informational training Youtube channel. And Steve had suggested during his online training that we should all watch the movie “Barbarians at the Gate”. I am so pleased I took his advice. I watched the movie. Barbarians at the gate is about the Private Equity and Leveraged Buy Out Business. It’s a great watch.
Thank’s Steve!!
Movie – Barbarians at the gate
What did you think? Great Movie from the 1980’s?? LOL
Thanks for stopping by and watching the Movie.
JS
The Secret Formula of Business Development?
Developing Trust & Relationships with Local Influential Millionaires
In this post I am going to reveal the secret formula I use that could help Real Estate Agents, Business Brokers, and just any serious entrepreneur who wants to take their life and business opportunities to the next level. I would like to share a unique story that happened to me recently. It’s a story that is completely Serendipitous. And shares how using service as a helpful friend while not asking anything in return. Will help you develop trust within relationships with people who can change your business future.
Two weeks ago I was searching Downtown Kansas City, Missouri for possible Buildings and Multi Family housing as possible targets for Acquisition. And I pulled up in front of this large building that has a History in the Crossroads area. It was once built and used as a commercial property for a Fortune 500 rubber company. I liked what I saw. The old building has real character and personality. So I decided to research who the company was that owned it. And then I made the call.
Now I must share that I made this call at 8:15pm on a Friday evening. So I was certain I was probably going to end up in the mailbox. However let me describe what happens next. The traffic is going by, it’s loud. People are walking by going on their way to dinner and enjoying their evening. And here I am in Khaki Shorts and old Ripped up military T-shirt cold calling the Owners of this 9 story building on a Friday night. So I dial and take a deep breath. And it rings. Then just as I thought I hear a voice that has to be the Answering machine. Or was it? Nope. It was the owner. And I was Shocked!
It was 8:15pm Friday Night and I have reached the owner of the Building. And from my limited research He has a portfolio that seems to be at right about 25million Dollars. So I immediate begin talking to him and sharing how I am outside his building and how I feel his building has Character and Personality. It’s literally a fantastic Building. Mr. N begins sharing more about himself and how he has worked hard on the Building. And I say back, I can tell. Im impressed. And before I know it. Mr. N introduces the idea we should meet in person. And usually that would be during business Hours the next week. However an Entrepreneur immediately recognized another Entrepreneur. And we both agree now is great. He shares his Address to his home a few blocks away.
So after spending several hours with this Building developer and Building Owner. I look down and see it’s 10pm. How many entrepreneurs can say they cold called a Commercial Real Estate Developer on a Friday night and established a future working relationship? It’s just one of those cool stories that is serendipitous in nature. I really did with all honestly have a blast getting to know this Couple. I found out that this Commercial Real Estate Developer and owner I just met needs a trusted experienced friend to help with Marketing and developing other opportunities within the local market. That is something I definitely can offer as a friend.
So at the end of the day. This new relationship with these two fantastic like minded Business professionals will likely develop into a working alliance that will grow organically. How awesome is that? It truly is just one of those crazy cool stories you will have as a entrepreneur if you take caution out of your approach. And move forward with the intent of being a servant, seeking to understand. And just going for it. You honestly just never know what will happen if you let the chips fall where they may when doing cold outreach.
In conclusion I would like to highlight an important business entrepreneurial lesson for anyone who is a Entrepreneur or relies on Sales to succeed. If you just take one step forward fearlessly. Be willing to serve others and help them without expecting anything in return. Your going to have a very very successful future. However if you include service with a smile and seek to understand how you can help them achieve their goals without expecting anything in return. Your going to be a killer in your space or market guaranteed.
You most likely will think I am Bat Shit Crazy for sharing this. However the TV super star of “The Profit” on CNBC Mr. Marcus Lemonis is good man responsible for sculpting my empathy and my sensitive approach to business relationships. Don’t believe me? Here’s your proof.
I do hope you learned something from this encounter. It’s my hope that anyone who reads my Blog post’s can and will leverage my successes and defeats for their own entrepreneurial successes.
Thank you for reading.
JS
Trust Business Brokers?
Ok so I am going to share some personal insight and experience about a controversial topic among Businessmen and Businesswomen. Business Brokers. “To use and trust or not to use and trust. Is the question?”
I have been told by some of my partners Business Brokers can be useful if you know how to avoid the traps and have experience associated when negotiating transactions. However I have yet to see a Broker who is not a full out Online Lead Machine and Robot. This is just so unattractive. And makes me feel like they are a Drive Through Burger Shack or worse Convenience Store. They are sales heavy and usually I would not use a broker for any reason except Multi Family Real Estate. The reason I say this is because the first rule I was taught by my Mentor who is a Fortune 500 founder and has his own PE Fund. He shares “When looking for deal flow as a Private Equity investor. Or as a Partner of a Fund. “All the very attractive deals are going to be usually off market. Difficult for us to approach and buy.” Frankly when I look for deals they must be entrepreneurial journeys and approach’s. Nothing is a free lunch in Business. 100%
Always be looking for Deals.
This should sum up my advice as a Entrepreneur. Always be looking. Most people go throughout their day going to work, shuttling the kids to the Dentist or School without ever paying attention to the details in their environment. Entrepreneurs I suggest you do pay attention. And should always be on the look out like a hawk for the next diamond in the rough deal. If you spot a building with personality or character in downtown Kansas City? You may be on to something big. Trust me. It’s worked for me. Watch for that story soon. But usually Experienced Smaller Private Equity Shops and Small Business Owners who have a few transactions under their belt. Use Brokers as a way to sit back and let them bring them Deal Flow. This has it’s own set of issues. But for now. I want to demonstrate how this kind of works.
Business Brokers Are Like Sales Robots
Most Business Brokerage’s do have forms on their websites for qualified and unqualified Business individuals to be sorted as a Meat Wagon Intake. I mean this with complete humor. Hahah. Avoid these processes if you can. From my experience. I am more of a Businessman who likes to develop trust and long term relationships if I am going to be doing business with someone. I just have to have that personal commitment and professional development time to really feel like the opportunity is not some fly by night Deal that could wreck my career and future.
People in the Sales community do not have the motivation to look at and conduct deep investigations for Due Diligence like YOU. Remember every person on the other side of the table wants to succeed and get PAID. And if corners are cut? Which they probably are sometimes. You must remember that its your responsibility as the new Owner to investigate thouroughly. Nothing will be as powerful as your own Due Diligence investigations and referring to Professional Experts offering Advice.
Here is the cool thing about Business Brokers. If you have established healthy working boundaries and trust, they will bring you off market Deals or Opportunities. That is paydirt.
Experience Matters
I am only able to write about my experiences and personal suggestions on this blog. So I am really positive my criticisms and cynical views won’t be winning me any Friends by discouraging Entrepreneurs from using Business Brokers. I find it easier to use my own creativity and approach business owners when asking them to have a conversation about their future and retirement options. There is a strategy I use to evaluate if a Business owner seems like a good Acquisition possibility. I will be writing more about how I do this so please stay tuned. However leaning on your Partners Business Experience will help you jump start your Acquisition Entrepreneurship journey. But it will be up to you to take the lead. Business Brokers in my humble Opinion should only be used if you A. have established Rapport. B. Have Mutual Respect. and C. Know you can trust the person as the intermediary.
Trust Is Everything
When picking a Business Broker I was able to hack the system of Robotic responses. Here is what I did. But first you need to know that Trust is everything. In order to establish some trust have the Broker or Firm you contact refer 3 previous Clients who have experience doing deals with this firm. Then ask for 2 Clients who did not complete a transaction. Take these introductions as serious referrals. Because in the end. You can not afford to screw up. Trust will come when your comfortable that the person wanting you to sign a NDA is not a Scheming Con Man or Woman.
In the end I am going to detail my thought pattern of trust. Because if your left with more questions than answers when dealing with Business Brokers or anyone in general. Follow these steps.
- Trust
- Trust But Verify
- Take The Matter Under Advisement
As my friend Marcus Lemonis say’s “Trust the process.”
Thanks for reading.
JS.
Business Intelligence Services | M&A Transactions
Rock Solid information is always something to procure through due diligence. However there is a difference on Solid Info vs. Actionable Business Intelligence. And something you need to consider up front. Insider Trading is not the topic I am referring to. That is a post in of its own. For now I am trying to communicate to you Mergers & Acquisitions Professionals that Actionable Intelligence can not be substituted.
What is Actionable Intelligence?
Information is raw data or facts in a public forum or online data base easily accessible. Intelligence is information you would not see in raw form. But rather would be a pieces of information. Focused into clarity or a vision from multiple sources.
So if your a Banker, Attorney, Accountant or a Businessman or BusinessWoman finding credible sources to provide Business Intelligence. Will in fact be a game changer on how you analyze deals and incoming deal flow opportunities. So how do you do this? In the Business community usually we call something similar Proprietary Deal Flow.
Proprietary Deal Flow
When entrepreneurs are first looking for deal flow usually they do whatever feels natural to them. They go out in the community expecting to easily find deal flow. However a big shock hits them when they find out almost no body will give them the time of day. They fail to realize their are strategies at play they are not privy to. And unfortunately most Professionals won’t share their secret sauces to success. But I can dial you in on some secrets on “How to gain access to “Proprietary Deal Flow Here.”
Acquisition Target Intelligence Services?
Some Senior Executives require open source intelligence. Intelligence may include but is not limited to. How should executive evaluate and analyze Business targets for a possible Acquisition? You should look at the Business, the people, and the Clients or Vendors, and the Competition. Analyzing all aspects of business during different parts of the year will yield different results. All of this information is vital to the success of acquisition targets. If your executive team requires additional information services. For example. Information not listed online or provided by big firms. Brokers websites and or online directories. We are experts of negotiate and investigating for your teams comfort and benefit. Our Executive tailored services are staffed by former Senior Military Leadership, Veterans who served during Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Operated in Syria, Africa, and beyond. All of our Special Operations Intelligence professionals and Special Mission Unit Operators are available for advisory services.
Thank you for reading. If you have found the information provided useful, please share to your networks. We are happy to connect with professionals and executives needing an edge and former Military team ready to deploy on a moments notice.
JS