INTRODUCTION

Like all things.  It starts with a simple introduction.  A phone call.  A meeting.  A video conference.  Let's simply talk and see if we could each benefit one another.  At the end of the day, that's what it is all about.  Right?

SITE VISIT

If we should both see some value in a possible relationship.  A simple site visit would seem the next logical step.  It's your business.  Show off!  Act like I'm a prospective buyer of your company.  What should I see?  What would you say?  Who would I talk to?  If viewed in this context, it makes for an interesting day.

360 EVALUATION

As the name implies, this is a holistic view of the business.  It is a review of people, processes, technology and the underlying financials and data that support them.
This is not analysis paralysis.  In most small to medium businesses this can be accomplished in days or a few weeks at most.