There’s nothing like walking in the shoes of our clients, to make us better advisors. In this episode, Greg Will, the principal of the accounting practice Armstrong Dawson, talks about how his personal experience in acquiring a business gave him a different perspective in advising his clients in this area. And has ultimately made him a better advisor.
Episode Highlights:
- Greg’s professional background
- His personal experience buying a business
- Insights from sitting on the client’s seat
- Reflections from dealing with other advisors as a client
- Difficulties in integrating two different cultures
- Lessons around the use of earn-outs
- Working with the former business owner
- Importance of advisors working together
- Improving client approach based on experience
- Dealing with the softer side of the transaction
- Navigating disputes relating to contract interpretation
- Reaching out to Greg and his team
It is said that experience is the best teacher. And in this episode, we dig into the experience that can be gained from walking in the shoes of our clients.
Today we talk to Greg Will about his experience in buying a business, and why that has made him a better advisor.
Greg is certainly no stranger to the world of business sales and acquisitions. As principal of the accounting practice Armstrong Dawson with over two decades in the practice, he has regularly advised clients on both sides of M&A transactions. But the most significant insights that have changed the way he deals with his clients in this area has come from his own personal experiences in acquiring an accounting practice and having the chance to sit in his client’s seat.
You’ll find that there’s a lot in this episode for anyone who is an accountant or advisor, or who deals with advisors!
We cover some ground that is less often talked about – the soft skills, and the less often asked questions we should be asking and thinking about. As well as the importance of having empathy with the emotional process that our clients are going through.
We also take a look at the types of issues that can occur post-completion and some lesser considered risks of earn-outs for the buyer.
Whether you’re an accountant, a lawyer, a broker or advisor listening in – or indeed a business buyer or seller yourself – there’s a lot to think about from this episode!
Resources:
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Our Business Sales and Acquisitions Services
Aspect Legal has a number of great services that help businesses prepare for a sale or acquisition to help them prepare in advance and to get transaction ready. And we’ve also got a range of services to help guide businesses through the sale and acquisitions process.
We work with clients both big and small and have different types of services depending on size and complexity. We provide a free consultation to discuss your proposed sale or acquisition – so see our show notes on how to book a time to speak with us, or head over to our website at Aspectlegal.com.au
Disclaimer: The material contained on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should not depend upon any information appearing on this website without seeking legal advice. We do not guarantee that the contents of this website will be accurate, complete or up-to-date. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
