Episodes

  • EP 141: David Barnett on Selling Smart: Blind Spots, Buyer Psychology, and Real-World Value

    EP 141: David Barnett on Selling Smart: Blind Spots, Buyer Psychology, and Real-World Value
    Feb 27 2026
    There's a common belief that selling a business is the ultimate jackpot—a one-time windfall that guarantees wealth and success. But is that the reality? In this episode I sit down with David C. Barnett, three-time best-selling author, entrepreneur, and former business broker, to unpack the realities behind buying and selling small and mid-sized businesses. David's journey began in advertising sales before he launched multiple ventures, including a commercial debt brokerage. That path eventually led him into business brokerage and private transaction consulting, where he has spent more than a decade advising entrepreneurs around the world. Drawing from his experience as the author of How to Sell My Own Business and seven other books, David challenges the common myths around exits. This conversation is practical, direct, and grounded in real-world deal experience. Whether you are planning an exit, considering an acquisition, or advising business owners, David offers insights that may reshape how you think about preserving and transferring business value.
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    44 mins
  • When Business Sale Proceeds Don’t Cover the Debt (What Happens Next?)

    When Business Sale Proceeds Don’t Cover the Debt (What Happens Next?)
    Feb 25 2026
    **New Video Alert! In this episode, I walk through a very real scenario that buyers, sellers, and brokers are facing more often as parts of the economy slow down. Imagine a business that once justified a higher valuation. Over time, revenues fall, earnings shrink, and the value declines — but the debt remains. On closing day, most of the purchase price must go toward paying off secured creditors. There may not be enough left to cover broker commissions, legal fees, or other transaction costs. So what do you do? In this video, I explain. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/4IAWsWGV4qM Cheers See you over on YouTube David C Barnett #microacquisitions #stackingmicroacquisitions #buyingsmallbusinesses #businessrollupstrategy #acquisition #entrepreneurship #sellerfinancing **** - Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com **** Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link: https://referrals.xero.com/DavidCBarnett_xero. Terms & Conditions apply.* Find more content that answers your questions with my new AI BOT: https://www.davidcbarnettbot.com/ Enjoy HUGE savings when signing up for Xero cloud-based accounting software using David's sponsorship link: https://referrals.xero.com/DavidCBarnett_xero Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidCBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com - Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com - Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com - Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com
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    17 mins
  • David Barnett Main Episode Audio

    David Barnett Main Episode Audio
    Feb 20 2026
    What if the real reason your deals stall isn’t the market—but the way you structure your pipeline? Are you collecting unsellable inventory, hoping for a windfall, or crafting steady cash flow by choosing the right clients and building genuine relationships? In this episode, Jason Cutter and guest David Barnett challenge business brokers to rethink their approach to listings, pipeline, and dealmaking. Instead of chasing every lead or “whale hunting” for outsize commissions, Barnett urges brokers to adopt a professional services mindset—vetting their inventory, aligning seller expectations, and becoming true advisors rather than mere intermediaries. Featuring real-world stories and hard-earned lessons, this episode tackles everything from the dangers of bad listings and misaligned seller expectations to the modern plague of “zero down” business buying gurus. Learn the power of strategic specialization, building trust, and even old-school outreach as David shares actionable tips for brokers ready to transition from transactional to trusted. If you’re frustrated by the feast-or-famine cycle and want to engineer pipeline growth, this is a must-listen.
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    57 mins
  • 7 Stack Micro Acquisitions to High 7-Figures

    7 Stack Micro Acquisitions to High 7-Figures
    Feb 18 2026
    **New Video Alert! In this video, I break down what “stacking micro acquisitions” actually means, why it’s such an appealing concept online, and the hidden risks most people don’t talk about. If you're thinking about building wealth by buying small, boring businesses and combining them into something bigger, this is a must-watch before you make an offer. The truth? Micro acquisitions can work — but only under the right conditions. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/XhbAiLkScmk Cheers See you over on YouTube David C Barnett #microacquisitions #stackingmicroacquisitions #buyingsmallbusinesses #businessrollupstrategy #acquisition #entrepreneurship #sellerfinancing **** - Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com **** Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link: https://referrals.xero.com/DavidCBarnett_xero. Terms & Conditions apply.* Find more content that answers your questions with my new AI BOT: https://www.davidcbarnettbot.com/ Enjoy HUGE savings when signing up for Xero cloud-based accounting software using David's sponsorship link: https://referrals.xero.com/DavidCBarnett_xero Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidCBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com - Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com - Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com - Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com
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    21 mins
  • Why Seller’s Discretionary Earnings Can Fool Business Buyers

    Why Seller’s Discretionary Earnings Can Fool Business Buyers
    Feb 11 2026
    **New Video Alert! Most buyers rely on the seller's discretionary earnings or EBITDA to decide what a business is worth. That’s a mistake. In this episode, I use a real-life story from my own home to explain why depreciation, equipment replacement, and capital expenditures can quietly drain your cash flow after you buy a business. If you’re buying a business or preparing to sell one, this is something you need to understand before money changes hands. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/NvFvNoN-PiE Cheers See you over on YouTube David C Barnett **** - Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com **** Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link: https://referrals.xero.com/DavidCBarnett_xero. Terms & Conditions apply.* Find more content that answers your questions with my new AI BOT: https://www.davidcbarnettbot.com/ Enjoy HUGE savings when signing up for Xero cloud-based accounting software using David's sponsorship link: https://referrals.xero.com/DavidCBarnett_xero Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidCBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com - Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com - Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com - Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com
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    25 mins
  • LIVE Delivery apps are changing the restaurant business

    LIVE Delivery apps are changing the restaurant business
    Feb 9 2026
    View my video about these apps and what I've seen them do: https://youtu.be/thouWK5QQpI Delivery apps are changing the restaurant business New Livestream guest- Justin Andrews I’m happy to have Justin Andrews join me on a live broadcast. Justin Andrews has experience as a food-industry operator and entrepreneur who’s spent years in the restaurant world. Currently, he’s working on building the ‘Uber’ of commercial commissary kitchens! Tune in and as we’ll be discussing what’s really happening behind the scenes in the restaurant industry right now. We’ll also get into ghost kitchens and why they may be one of the smartest ways to test a restaurant concept before signing a lease, building a dining room, and taking on major risk. This is a ‘must see event’ for restaurant owners, aspiring food entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about ghost kitchens, delivery apps, and where the food business is headed next. Be sure to join live so that you can ask questions, replay will be available. We’ll be going live Monday February 09, 2026 at 1PM Atlantic Time and 12 Noon Eastern Time See you there! David C Barnett Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link: https://referrals.xero.com/DavidCBarnett_xero . Terms & Conditions apply.* See the video of my Xero story here: https://youtu.be/LfaGUfwStqo Sign up for David's email list at https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com
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    43 mins
  • LIVE- Learning from PE acquisition Due diligence and integration woes

    LIVE- Learning from PE acquisition Due diligence and integration woes
    Feb 2 2026
    Understanding common errors in business acquisitions and integrations New Livestream guest- Mark Sims I’m happy to have Mark join me on a live broadcast. He’s spent years helping private equity firms do due diligence and integration work on new acquisitions. Tune in and as we’ll be discussing what small business buyers can learn from his stories and experiences. This is a ‘must see event’ for anyone who wants to buy a business. Be sure to join live so that you can ask questions, replay will be available. We’ll be going live Monday Febraury 02, 2026 at 1PM Atlantic Time and 12 Noon Eastern Time See you there! David C Barnett Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link: https://referrals.xero.com/DavidCBarnett_xero . Terms & Conditions apply.* See the video of my Xero story here: https://youtu.be/LfaGUfwStqo Sign up for David's email list at https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com
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    57 mins
  • How to Win Deals When You’re Not the Highest Bidder

    How to Win Deals When You’re Not the Highest Bidder
    Jan 28 2026
    ***New Video Alert! Ever wondered how to compete with private equity groups and bigger buyers when you don’t have the highest offer? In this episode, I reveal how to make your offer stand out by building trust, credibility, and certainty for the seller — without overpaying. If you’re serious about buying a business the right way, this one’s for you. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/XEz79uFFVWc Cheers See you over on YouTube David C Barnett
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    37 mins