M&A Readiness Deep Dive

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Please complete the forms below For Your Next Step

STEP 1: Let's review your business.

Business Review

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Step 1 of 11

Company Name*

Are you a Product or Service focused Organization.*

Product Focused (Has Inventory)

Service Focused

GENERAL INFORMATION

BASIC PLANNING

1. The Company has a clearly defined mission*

Yes

A. There is a written Mission Statement.*

Yes

B. Company is carrying out the mission.*

Yes

C. Mission Statement is modified when necessary.*

Yes

D. Employees understand & share in the mission.*

Yes

E. The Company has a brand and style guide.*

Yes

If Yes, Please Upload Here

Max. file size: 100 MB.

2. The Company has a written Sales Plan*

Yes

If Yes, Please Upload Here

Max. file size: 100 MB.

A. Market niche has been identified.*

Yes

B. New product lines are developed when appropriate.*

Yes

C. Targeted Customers are being reached.*

Yes

D. Sales are increasing.*

Yes

3. The Company has an annual budget.*

Yes

If Yes, Please Upload Here

Max. file size: 100 MB.

A. Budget is used as a flexible guide*

Yes

B. Budget is used as a control device.*

Yes

C. Actual expenditures are compared against budgeted expenditures.*

Yes

D. Corrective action is taken when expenses are over budget.*

Yes

E. Owner prepares budget.*

Yes

F. The budget is realistic.*

Yes

4. The Company utilizes a 6 month Rolling budget.*

Yes

If Yes, Please Upload Here

Max. file size: 100 MB.

5. The Company has a pricing policy.*

Yes

A. Products or services are competitively priced.*

Yes

B. Business provides volume discounts.*

Yes

C. Prices are increased when warranted.*

Yes

D. There is a relationship between pricing changes and sales volume.*

Yes

E. New prices are placed on last-in goods when the price on old stock gets changed.*

Yes

THE CULTURE

PERSONNEL

1. Employees know what is expected of them*

Yes

A. Each employee has only one supervisor.*

Yes

B. Supervisors have authority commensurate with responsibility.*

Yes

C. Employees volunteer critical information to their supervisor.*

Yes

D. Employees are using their skills on the job.*

Yes

E. Employees and Management know the Top 5 Strengths of Each Employee.*

Yes

F. Employees feel adequately trained.*

Yes

2. Each employee has a job description.*

Yes

If Yes, Please Upload Here

Max. file size: 100 MB.

A. Employees can accurately describe what they do.*

Yes

B. Employees do what is expected.*

Yes

C. Employees accountable to specific daily KPIs*

Yes

D. Company untilizes a SCORECARD Process.*

Yes

If Yes, Please Upload Here

Max. file size: 100 MB.

E. Work load is distributed equitably.*

Yes

F. Employees receive feedback on performance.*

Yes

G. Employees are rewarded for good performance.*

Yes

H. Employees are familiar with company policies.*

Yes

I. There is a concise policy manual.*

Yes

If Yes, Please Upload Here

Max. file size: 100 MB.

3. Preventive discipline is used when appropriate.*

Yes

A. Employees are informed when performance is below standard.*

Yes

B. Unexcused absences are dealt with immediately.*

Yes

C. Theft prevention measures are in place.*

Yes

4. Regular employee meetings are conducted.*

Yes

A. Employees' ideas are solicited at meetings.*

Yes

B. An agenda is given to employees prior to the meeting.*

Yes

C. Meetings provide a specific set of outcomes to be achieved by each attendee.*

Yes

If Yes, Please Provide a Sample of Meeting Template Here

Max. file size: 100 MB.

OPERATIONS

PRODUCTION

1. The company has a good relationship with suppliers.*

Yes

A. A well-documented plan addresses how to deal with suppliers.*

Yes

B. Inventory delivery times are specified.*

Yes

C. Levels of quality of materials and services are specified.*

Yes

D. Payment terms are documented.*

Yes

E. Contingency plans are provided.*

Yes

F. Regular contact is made with suppliers.*

Yes

2. The company provides for good inventory control.*

Yes

A. Company has an inventory control formula to provide for optimum inventory levels.*

Yes

B. Company has a policy on securing inventory in a timely fashion.*

Yes

3. The company conducts incoming inventory inspections.*

Yes

A. Company has a written policy on incoming inspection.*

Yes

B. Incoming inspection is being performed.*

Yes

C. Incoming inspection levels of quality are documented.*

Yes

4. The company has alternate sources of raw materials.*

Yes

A. Two or more suppliers are identified for each product needed.*

Yes

B. Majority of raw material requirements are divided equally between two major suppliers with a third source receiving lesser but consistent orders.*

Yes

5. The company has a routine maintenance program.*

Yes

A. A routine maintenance program is documented and communicated to all maintenance personnel.*

Yes

B. Every major piece of equipment has a maintenance log positioned in an obvious place.*

Yes

C. Preventive maintenance is a regular occurrence.*

Yes

6. The company has a formal operator training program.*

Yes

A. Company has a written operator training manual.*

Yes

B. A progressive training process is in place.*

Yes

C. Accomplished operators are identified to answer questions from trainees.*

Yes

D. Constructive feedback on training progress is provided in a Non-intimidating fashion.*

Yes

7. The company attempts to stay current with technological advances.*

Yes

A. Company representatives attend trade shows on a regular basis.*

Yes

B. Company subscribes to trade publications.*

Yes

C. A formal employee suggestion program is in place.*

Yes

D. Company conducts regular technology advancement brainstorming sessions involving the employees.*

Yes

E. Company is involved in the community's extended learning programs.*

Yes

SALES & MARKETING

1. The owner knows exactly what the business is.*

Yes

A. The owner knows exactly who the customer is.*

Yes

B. Potential customers know about the business.*

Yes

C. Location is appropriate for the business.*

Yes

D. The market is clearly defined.*

Yes

2. The owner knows competitors and their location.*

Yes

A. The owner knows how his or her prices compare with the competitions'.*

Yes

B. The owner knows how the competition is regarded.*

Yes

C. Census data are used for strategic marketing.*

Yes

D. The owner knows the county sales patterns.*

Yes

3. The owner is aware of customer needs.*

Yes

A. Feedback is requested from customers.*

Yes

B. Sales receipts are monitored.*

Yes

C. Sales receipts are compared to those from previous years.*

Yes

D. Seasonal variations are taken into account.*

Yes

4. The owner and employees focus on customer needs.*

Yes

A. The owner and employees treat customers courteously.*

Yes

B. The customer's concerns, complaints and suggestions are listened to carefully.*

Yes

C. Customers are provided with quick, reliable service.*

Yes

D. The owner is considered knowledgeable by customers.*

Yes

E. Appropriate housekeeping procedures for the business are followed.*

Yes

5. The company needs to increase sales volume.*

Yes

A. There is a sales plan in effect.*

Yes

B. Sales goals are being met.*

Yes

C. Effective sales presentations are being made to potential customers.*

Yes

D. Names of prospects are kept in a follow-up file.*

Yes

E. Sales are closed effectively.*

Yes

Please upload last 6 months CRM and or Sales data here.

Max. file size: 100 MB.

ADVERTISING & PROMOTION

1. The owner has an advertising and promotion plan.*

Yes

If Yes, please upload here.

Max. file size: 100 MB.

The Business:

A. Has an advertising budget.*

Yes

B. Advertises monthly.*

Yes

C. Advertises weekly.*

Yes

D. Has a promotional calendar.*

Yes

The Owner:

2. The owner uses effective advertising and promotion.*

Yes

A. Advertises in Search Engines.*

Yes

B. Uses mailers, newspapers or shoppers.*

Yes

C. Uses radio and television advertising.*

Yes

D. Obtains no-cost or low-cost media coverage.*

Yes

E. Uses digital media effectively.*

Yes

F. The Company has a website.*

Yes

Website Address

G. Uses social media effectively.*

Yes

Google Listing Address

Linkedin Address

Facebook Address

Instagram Address

Other

The Owner:

3. The owner uses effective merchandising techniques.*

Yes

A. Relates display space to sales potential.*

Yes

B. Uses vendor promotional aids.*

Yes

C. Knows traffic flow patterns of customers.*

Yes

D. Keeps facilities clean.*

Yes

The Owner:

4. The owner evaluates advertising and promotional efforts weekly.*

Yes

A. Determines if sales increase with advertising.*

Yes

B. Ascertains if sales increase after special promotions.*

Yes

FINANCES

GENERAL BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING PRACTICES

1. The company has a bookkeeping system*

Single Entry

Double Entry

None

The Owner:

A. Prepares the books.*

Yes

i. Understands the how and why.*

Yes

ii. Prepares own financial statements.*

Yes

B. Pays for bookkeeping service.*

Yes

i. Understands financial statements.*

Yes

ii. Has taxes done by bookkeeper.*

Yes

iii. Has compared cost for bookkeeper with that of a CPA.*

Yes

2. The company reconciles bank statements monthly.*

Yes

3. The company keeps income and expense statements accurate and prepares statements monthly.*

Yes

The Owner:

A. Understands purpose of financial statements.*

Yes

B. Compares several monthly statements for trends.*

Yes

C. Compares statements against industry averages.*

Yes

D. Knows current financial status of business.*

Yes

4. The company makes monthly deposits for federal withholding and Social Security taxes.*

Yes

The Owner:

A. Understands Form 941.*

Yes

B. Makes deposits on time to avoid penalties.*

Yes

C. Provides W-2 information.*

Yes

5. The company has a credit policy.*

Yes

The Company:

A. Ages billing system monthly.*

Yes

B. Accesses late payment fee from customers.*

Yes

C. Writes off bad debts.*

Yes

D. Has good collection policies.*

Yes

E. Has a series of increasingly pointed letters to collect from late customers.*

Yes

F. Has VISA, MasterCard, or other credit card system.*

Yes

G. Emphasizes cash discounts.*

Yes

6. The company files all tax returns in a timely manner.*

Yes

The Owner:

A. Considers tax implications of equipment early.*

Yes

B. Considers buy versus lease possibilities.*

Yes

C. Considers possible advantages/disadvantages of incorporation/Subchapter S.*

Yes

D. Does not pay tax penalties (federal, state, sales).*

Yes

FINANCES

FINANCIAL PLANNING & LOAN PROPOSALS

1. The company has adequate cash flow.*

Yes

A. Renumbered cash receipts are monitored and accounted for.*

Yes

B. Checks are deposited properly each day.*

Yes

C. Customer invoicing is done promptly (within two working days).*

Yes

D. Collections are received within 60 days.*

Yes

E. Accounts payable take advantage of cash discounts.*

Yes

F. Disbursements are made by pre-numbered check.*

Yes

2. The company projects cash-flow needs.*

Yes

A. Payrolls are met without problems.*

Yes

B. Money is set aside for expansion, emergencies and opportune purchases.*

Yes

C. Short-term financing is used when needed.*

Yes

D. Line of credit is established with a bank.*

Yes

3. The company understands the role of financial planning in today's highly competitive lending markets.*

Yes

A. The owner's personal resume is prepared and current*

Yes

B. Personal financial statements have been prepared.*

Yes

C. The business has a written business plan.*

Yes

D. Source and use of funds statements exist for the past two years, with a projection for the next two years.*

Yes

E. An accurate balance sheet exists for the past two years and includes a projection for the next two years.*

Yes

F. The owner has a good working relationship with a banker.*

Yes

G. There is a strong debt-to-equity ratio (1:2/1:1)*

Yes

Please Upload Last 3 Years Financials (P&L, Expense Detail, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Report) Here

Max. file size: 100 MB.

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STEP 2: Let's see what our brand DNA is.

Brand DNA

Name*
First Last
Organization
Email*

What does your business DO, in the simplest terms?*
- We provide a truly unforgettable experience with unmatched customer service.
- We offer THE best products and services - always.
- We’re here to shake things up, make waves, and change the world.
What does success mean to you?*
- Quality, long-term relationships with loyal customers.
- Financial bandwidth to allocate towards product/service development.
- Sparking a movement that changes people's minds or behavior.
What question do you ask yourself the most, when it comes to innovation?*
- How can we improve the experience for our customers?
- How can we make our products/services better, faster, or cheaper?
- What uncharted territory can we conquer, next?

What best describes your pricing strategy?*
- We price our products/services based on customer usage or service type - it’s all about the experience!
- We unashamedly price our products/services in accordance with the value they provide, because we ONLY offer the best quality.
- Freemium - we offer a free trial to win them over, and easily convert people to recurring customers.
Surprise! You just got an extra $100K/month to use for marketing. How do you spend it?*
- Investigating the needs and intrinsic motivations of our target demographics. We want to know who our customers are so we can care for them better!
- Research and development on a truly amazing new product/service design. This new development will speak for itself!
- Raising awareness for a new idea - we’ve got to spread the word, and start the movement!
We want to be known as a team of....*
- Empathetic servant-leaders who intimately know and understand our customers.
- Brilliant developers, engineers, and leaders who offer outstanding products and services.
- Big thinkers who made a “lifestyle choice” by joining our organization.

What’s your approach to inspiring customer loyalty?*
- To be so beloved by our customers that they wouldn’t dream of going elsewhere.
- To offer a product/service so superior that the competition isn’t even attractive.
- We don’t even want customers - we want a zealous community.
Let’s imagine your CEO gets famous… what will they be known for?*
- Unmatched service, excellent communication skills, and unprecedented customer experience.
- High-level product/service development, continual innovation, and impressive sales figures.
- Charismatic personality, revolutionary thought leadership, and casting ground-breaking vision for the masses.
Your executive team is most likely to approve funding for which project?*
- A total revamp of the customer experience, from start-to-finish. We’re making the whole process easier and more intuitive for our clients!
- Developing a new product/service to meet an emerging customer need. Our clients have a problem, and we need to create a solution!
- A feasibility study on a groundbreaking new concept. Can we actually make this crazy idea a reality?

How do you know you’re offering solid value to your customers?*
- They tell us! Our customers are very loyal, and we get incredible testimonials without even having to ask.
- Sales are up and brand reputation is high. The metrics don’t lie!
- We solve problems our customers don’t know they have - and that’s a value that speaks for itself.
Our brand personality is most guided by...*
- The sum of every experience a customer has with our organization -- how we make people feel.
- The visual presentation of our business — our logo, design style, color palettes, etc.
- The way our spirit is embodied — a challenge to the world to think and act differently.
CAPTCHA

M&A Readiness Deep Dive

Let's Get Started!

Please complete the forms below For Your Next Step

STEP 1: Let's review your business.

Business Review

GENERAL INFORMATION

THE CULTURE

OPERATIONS

SALES & MARKETING

ADVERTISING & PROMOTION

The Business:

The Owner:

The Owner:

The Owner:

FINANCES

The Owner:

The Owner:

The Owner:

The Company:

The Owner:

FINANCES

STEP 2: Let's see what our brand DNA is.

Brand DNA

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO DIG DEEPER! YOU WON'T REGRET IT!

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