The 30-Day Sprint: From Contact to Close
Most deals die from delay. This timeline shows you exactly what to do each day to close your first acquisition in 30 days or less.
CRITICAL: This timeline assumes you've already identified target businesses. If not, add 10 days for prospecting (see Document #6).
Week 1: Initial Contact & LOI
Days 1-3: First Contact Blitz
- □ Send 30 direct owner emails (template in Doc #6)
- □ Follow up with phone calls to non-responders
- □ Schedule meetings with all positive responses
- □ Research each business that responds (revenue, employees, years in business)
- □ Prepare your "buyer's package" (proof of funds, experience summary)
Days 4-5: Initial Meetings
- □ Conduct 3-5 owner meetings (phone or in-person)
- □ Use the "Seller Motivation Assessment" (Doc #9)
- □ Request basic financials (3 years P&L, current balance sheet)
- □ Identify the ONE most motivated seller
- □ Send thank-you email to all sellers within 2 hours
Days 6-7: Valuation & LOI Prep
- □ Run quick valuation using Doc #11 framework
- □ Identify 3 comparable sales in the industry
- □ Draft Letter of Intent (LOI template in Doc #15)
- □ Line up financing options (SBA pre-qual, seller financing ask)
- □ Schedule LOI presentation meeting
MILESTONE: LOI Submitted by Day 7
Week 2: Due Diligence Sprint
Days 8-10: LOI Negotiation
- □ Present LOI in person (never email first)
- □ Handle initial objections using Doc #18 scripts
- □ Negotiate key terms (price, structure, timeline)
- □ Get signed LOI with exclusivity period
- □ Celebrate (you're halfway there!)
Days 11-14: Deep Dive Due Diligence
- □ Review all financials with your CPA
- □ Verify revenue with bank statements
- □ Interview top 3 customers (with seller's permission)
- □ Interview all key employees
- □ Review all contracts and leases
- □ Inspect physical assets and inventory
- □ Run background check on seller
PRO TIP: Schedule due diligence items in advance. Book your CPA on Day 8 for Day 11. Time kills deals.
Week 3: Final Structure & Financing
Days 15-17: Deal Structure Finalization
- □ Identify any red flags from due diligence
- □ Adjust purchase price if needed (use Doc #22)
- □ Finalize financing structure
- □ Get SBA commitment letter (if using SBA)
- □ Negotiate seller financing terms
- □ Draft purchase agreement with attorney
Days 18-21: Legal & Final Negotiations
- □ Review purchase agreement with seller
- □ Negotiate final terms and warranties
- □ Complete environmental assessment (if required)
- □ Finalize transition plan (Doc #28)
- □ Set closing date and location
- □ Order business insurance policies
MILESTONE: Purchase Agreement Signed by Day 21
Week 4: Sprint to Close
Days 22-25: Pre-Closing Checklist
- □ Final lender requirements completed
- □ Wire transfers scheduled
- □ Entity formation completed (LLC/Corp)
- □ Bank accounts opened
- □ Licenses transferred or applied for
- □ Final inventory count scheduled
- □ Key employee retention bonuses ready
Days 26-29: Final Walk-Through
- □ Conduct final facility walk-through
- □ Verify all equipment is operational
- □ Confirm customer list matches records
- □ Review closing documents with attorney
- □ Prepare Day 1 announcement (employees, customers)
Day 30: CLOSING DAY
- □ Final document review (2 hours)
- □ Sign all closing documents
- □ Wire funds transferred
- □ Keys and passwords transferred
- □ Announcement sent to employees
- □ Take team photo
- □ You're now a business owner!
🎉 CONGRATULATIONS - DEAL CLOSED!
Common Timeline Killers (Avoid These)
Deal Killer #1: Analysis Paralysis
You'll never have 100% certainty. 80% confidence is enough to move forward.
Deal Killer #2: Negotiating via Email
All important negotiations happen face-to-face or by phone. Period.
Deal Killer #3: Slow Response Time
Respond to sellers within 2 hours. Always. Speed shows seriousness.
Next Steps
This timeline is aggressive but achievable. I've used it to close deals in as little as 19 days.
Remember: Time kills deals. Every day you delay is a day for the seller to get cold feet, find another buyer, or raise their price.
For the complete due diligence checklist, see Document #24.
For negotiation scripts, see Document #18.
For financing structures, see Document #19.
© The Blueprint System™ - Acquisition Timeline
Part of the Complete Blueprint Document Library