Business Buying Strategies from The Dealmaker's Academy

#341 Putting the Deal Together

This week on Business Buying Strategies, we return to the behind-the-scenes recording of a live seminar where Jonathan Jay walks an audience of ambitious entrepreneurs through his proven approach to buying and growing businesses without using their own cash. Whether you're just getting started or you've tried the "DIY" route with limited results, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants a safer, smarter way to buy businesses. Jonathan breaks down: ✅ Why confidence matters more than cash — and how to build it ✅ What a leveraged buyout (LBO) really means in practical terms ✅ How to buy using seller finance, asset finance, invoice finance, and even the target business's own cash✅ Why he refuses to let clients sign personal guarantees — and what to do instead ✅ The truth about "no money down" deals — and why that term is misleading ✅ How to structure a deal that reduces risk and gets the seller paid ✅ Why most "rookie buyers" fail to get past deal sourcing — and how to go all the way to completion You'll also learn about the concept of the "deal jigsaw" — Jonathan's approach to combining multiple finance methods into one seamless, no-risk deal structure. Plus: How to pay yourself a deal fee at completion Why seller credibility is everything — and what to watch out for The 21-step roadmap Jonathan teaches to take you from ambition to acquisition How to secure exclusivity with sellers (and push away the competition) What to say during discovery calls and face-to-face meetings to maintain control of the process And why the best deals come from off-market businesses, not brokers Whether you're looking to make your first acquisition or scale through multiple deals, this episode delivers the strategic clarity most buyers never get. 👉 Listen now and discover how to build your acquisition game plan — without putting your personal finances on the line. If you're serious about buying a business – and avoiding the mistakes Jonathan outlines – book a free Clarity Call with one of his team: 👉 dealmakers.co.uk/clarity You'll get 15 minutes of expert insight to help you decide which next step is right for you – whether that's attending a Deal Club evening, joining the 3-day Foundation Programme, or stepping straight into the Mastermind. Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. It helps more future dealmakers discover the show – and succeed in their first business acquisition. Resources Mentioned: Business Buying Toolkit – Free Download Upcoming Deal Club Events 3-Day Foundation Programme

#340 One Deal Away: How to Grow, Scale and Exit Through Acquisition

This week on Business Buying Strategies, we bring you something different — a behind-the-scenes recording of a live seminar where Jonathan Jay walks an audience of ambitious entrepreneurs through his proven approach to buying and growing businesses without using their own cash. If you've ever thought, "Surely this can't be possible?" — this episode will challenge everything you think you know about business growth, retirement planning, and personal freedom. Here's what you'll learn: Why acquisitions can fast-track your business goals more effectively than organic growth The single deal that changed Jonathan's life — and how one deal could change yours too The timeline and mindset needed to buy, build and exit a business in just 36 months How to create your own "capital event" every year — even if you've never bought a business before Different acquisition strategies (competitor, supply chain, sector expansion, buy-and-build) How to buy property as part of your deal — and use it as a long-term wealth engine Why most people overpay — and how to avoid the #1 mistake new dealmakers make Why buying a business is not the same as buying yourself a job (unless you do it wrong) Jonathan's honest take on distressed businesses, franchises, and due diligence risks How to build a bulletproof acquisition plan — and position yourself as a credible buyer from day one Whether you're a first-time buyer, a business owner looking to scale, or someone seeking a smarter path to retirement, this episode is packed with practical insight and inspiring case studies. You'll also hear: ✅ What to say when sellers ask, "Why do you want to buy my business?" ✅ How to negotiate like a professional — and avoid paying more than you should ✅ Why systems, marketing know-how and Trade Mastermind strategies give you an edge ✅ The importance of aligning deal structure with your goals, personality, and strengths "You are one deal away from everything you want." Jonathan's message is clear — but the strategy has to be right. If you're serious about buying a business – and avoiding the mistakes Jonathan outlines – book a free Clarity Call with one of his team: 👉 dealmakers.co.uk/clarity You'll get 15 minutes of expert insight to help you decide which next step is right for you – whether that's attending a Deal Club evening, joining the 3-day Foundation Programme, or stepping straight into the Mastermind. Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. It helps more future dealmakers discover the show – and succeed in their first business acquisition. Resources Mentioned: Business Buying Toolkit – Free Download Upcoming Deal Club Events 3-Day Foundation Programme

#339 From Podcast Listener to Dealmaker: The Fast-Track Path to Your First Acquisition

In this special episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan Jay pulls back the curtain on a pivotal moment in every dealmaker's journey — the point where you stop watching from the sidelines and take real, tangible action. And if you've been listening to the podcast for a while but still haven't bought your first business, this episode might just change everything. Here's what you'll discover: ✅ The biggest mindset shift that separates action-takers from "armchair" dealmakers ✅ Why trying to piece together internet advice is like cooking with three celebrity chefs — and why it doesn't work ✅ The real reason sending letters to business owners is outdated (and what to do instead) ✅ Why getting stuck in the deal sourcing phase is costing you time, energy, and opportunities ✅ How one dealmaker added £9M in turnover and £1.4M in profit — in just 7 months ✅ The hidden power of vendor finance (and how it can benefit both buyer and seller) ✅ Why buying a business transforms you — not just your income You'll also hear inspiring real-life stories from past Mastermind clients — including: A primary school teacher turned £9M dealmaker A beautician who went from £180K to a 7-salon, £2M business group A dealmaker who earned £300K upfront on day one — without spending his own money Plus, Jonathan reveals a limited-time opportunity to attend the 3-day Foundation Programme in December — live and in person — for just £1. This is more than a podcast episode. It's your personal invitation to go from listener to action-taker… to business buyer.   If you're serious about buying a business – and avoiding the mistakes Jonathan outlines – book a free Clarity Call with one of his team: 👉 dealmakers.co.uk/clarity You'll get 15 minutes of expert insight to help you decide which next step is right for you – whether that's attending a Deal Club evening, joining the 3-day Foundation Programme, or stepping straight into the Mastermind. Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. It helps more future dealmakers discover the show – and succeed in their first business acquisition. Resources Mentioned: Business Buying Toolkit – Free Download Upcoming Deal Club Events 3-Day Foundation Programme  

#338 More Dealmaker Questions Answered by Jonathan

In this week's episode of Business Buying Strategies, you're invited to sit in on one of Jonathan Jay's live "Coffee with Jonathan" sessions — where he fields rapid-fire questions from aspiring dealmakers and delivers straight-talking, practical answers. From metaphors that make sense to advice that saves you from million-pound mistakes, this episode is packed with real insights, real examples, and real momentum. Here's what you'll learn this week: The Spaghetti Analogy That Could Change Your Approach Forever Discover why Jonathan says business buying is like choosing between wet spaghetti and dry spaghetti — and how following a clear, step-by-step system can cut years off your learning curve. Why Small Deals Can Be Big Mistakes Find out why buying a tiny business is often riskier than going bigger — and why revenue comfort zones might be holding you back. Can You Really Buy a Business If You're Broke? Jonathan explains why financial difficulties don't disqualify you — and how some of his most successful clients started with nothing but a plan. What If You've Never Bought a Business Before? Learn exactly what to say, do, and show to build credibility as a first-time buyer — even if sellers do their due diligence on you. Why Business Brokers May Not Be Your Best Bet Jonathan shares why none of his 1,000+ successful clients have done deals through brokers — and what you should be doing instead. Overseas Acquisitions, Asset vs Share Purchases, Leveraged Buyouts & More This session covers it all — including how to structure smart deals, whether you need industry experience, and how to stay motivated during a multi-year buy-and-build plan. Whether you're taking your first steps, feeling stuck, or trying to figure out your next move — this episode offers the clarity you need to move forward with confidence. If you're serious about buying a business – and avoiding the mistakes Jonathan outlines – book a free Clarity Call with one of his team: 👉 dealmakers.co.uk/clarity You'll get 15 minutes of expert insight to help you decide which next step is right for you – whether that's attending a Deal Club evening, joining the 3-day Foundation Programme, or stepping straight into the Mastermind. Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. It helps more future dealmakers discover the show – and succeed in their first business acquisition. Resources Mentioned: Business Buying Toolkit – Free Download Upcoming Deal Club Events 3-Day Foundation Programme  

#337 Bonus Episode: Inside the Business-Buying Foundation Course

In this special short episode of Business Buying Strategies, Jonathan reveals what really happens at his live Business-Buying Foundation Course — and why it's become one of the most transformative events for first-time business buyers. Jonathan explains why he created the Foundation Programme for those who are tired of endless webinars and ready to learn in person — surrounded by like-minded people who are serious about taking action. Over three immersive days, attendees get clarity, confidence, and a proven process for buying their first (or next) business. In this episode, you'll discover: Why so many people fail at acquisition simply because they lack a system. How the Foundation Programme helps you define your goals and work backwards to the right deal strategy. The hands-on structure that turns theory into action through live exercises and real case studies. How interactive sessions, guest experts, and networking dinners create a powerful learning environment. Why this event isn't just about knowledge — it's about self-belief. Jonathan also shares details of the next Foundation Programme, happening 2–4 December at the stunning Wokefield Park Estate near Reading. Places are limited to just 30–40 attendees to keep the experience personal and focused. 👉 Find out more and book your place now at dealmakers.co.uk/foundation If you've ever thought about buying a business but haven't taken the first step — this could be the event that changes everything.