Acquisition Style Quiz
Whether you're looking at a well-oiled machine or a business that needs a complete overhaul, this quiz shows you what kind of deal fits your style.
KA
by Kinza Azmat
What to Look For
Your scores point you toward businesses that match how you like to work. If you're a steady hand, you might crush it with a stable business that needs careful guidance. If you're all about transformation, you might be perfect for a company that needs a complete refresh.
Money Talk
Your style affects how you'll fund this thing. The more changes you want to make, the more cash you'll need upfront. But if you're keeping things steady, traditional lenders might roll out the red carpet.
Bottom line? Target businesses where your natural style is exactly what the company needs. That's how you set yourself up for success from day one.
Quiz Categories
For each category, check the ONE statement that best describes you:
Change Approach
- I'm a Preserver: "I want to maintain what's working - minimal changes needed"
- I'm a Refiner: "I'll make careful improvements while keeping what works"
- I'm a Balancer: "I'll combine old and new - evolution not revolution"
- I'm an Improver: "I see lots of opportunities for positive change"
- I'm a Transformer: "I plan to significantly modernize operations"
Team Leadership
- I'll keep the current team and structure exactly as is
- I'll maintain the team while adding gentle guidance
- I'll gradually update the team and structure over time
- I'll bring in new leadership while keeping key people
- I'll build an entirely new management approach
Quiz Categories (Continued)
Growth Vision
- I want to maintain current performance levels
- I'm looking for small, steady growth
- I see moderate growth opportunities
- I plan to significantly scale operations
- I aim to transform and rapidly expand
Operations Style
- I'll be hands-off, trusting the existing team
- I'll monitor but mostly delegate
- I'll be involved in major decisions only
- I'll actively manage day-to-day operations
- I'll be deeply involved in all aspects
Quiz Categories (Final)
Innovation Approach
- I'll stick with current systems and processes
- I'll make small updates where needed
- I'll gradually modernize key areas
- I'll implement significant tech updates
- I'll completely overhaul systems
Scoring
Count your checkmarks in each column:
- Mostly first choices: Guardian Style - Best fit for stable, well-running businesses
- Mostly second choices: Steward Style - Ideal for businesses needing gentle optimization
- Mostly third choices: Builder Style - Perfect for businesses ready for methodical updates
- Mostly fourth choices: Driver Style - Great for businesses needing significant improvement
- Mostly fifth choices: Transformer Style - Best for businesses requiring complete overhaul
Your dominant style suggests what type of business you should target (next page).
Business Targeting Based on Style
Guardian
Look for businesses with strong teams, proven systems, and stable markets. Focus on maintaining excellence.
Steward
Seek businesses with good foundations that need gentle optimization. Focus on careful improvements.
Builder
Target businesses ready for methodical modernization. Focus on strategic updates and measured growth.
Driver
Pursue businesses needing significant updates. Focus on active transformation and scaling.
Transformer
Look for high-potential businesses needing complete overhaul. Focus on comprehensive change.
Financing Breakdown Based on Buying Style
Here's a simple financing breakdown based on your buying style:
Guardian Style (Keeping Things Steady)
Banks love these deals because they're stable and predictable. You can usually get SBA loans or traditional bank financing with about 10-15% down. The seller might keep some skin in the game too, often 20-30%, since they're confident in the business staying solid.
Steward Style (Small Tweaks)
Still pretty bankable, but you'll need a bit more cash upfront. Think SBA loans with maybe 15-20% down, plus some seller financing. Banks get it - you're not rocking the boat, just making things better.
Builder Style (Steady Changes)
Now we're getting into "show me the money" territory. Banks want to see more of your own cash in the game, like 20-25%. You might need to bring in some investment partners or look at equipment financing for those updates you're planning.
Driver Style (Big Changes)
Traditional banks might get nervous here. You're looking at private investors, maybe some specialty lenders who get what you're trying to do. Be ready to put in 25%+ yourself, and don't count on much seller financing - they know you're changing their baby.
Transformer Style (Complete Makeover)
This is private equity territory. Think investors who love turnarounds and big returns. You'll need serious cash (30%+ down) or strong backing. Traditional loans? Probably not happening. But if you've got the right story, investors might be all in.
Remember: The more you plan to change things, the more cash you need to bring to the table. That's just how the money folks think about risk.