Helping brands get rankings and revenue from Google, LLMs, AI Overviews | CEO of Contact.so | Mentions.so | Kleo.so

I help tech companies turn attention into predictable revenue.I am the CEO and co-founder of: • Contact (Most innovative SEO + AEO Agency in the World) • Kleo (AI tool that helps you create content optimized to go viral, build an audience, and get you customers)• Mentions (Helps you track your visibility and rank in ChatGPT and other LLMs)Across these businesses, we’ve built and scaled multiple bootstrapped, profitable companies, while also helping dozens of teams grow through SEO, LinkedIn, and AI-driven distribution.Most teams have the same problem: they invest in content, rankings, or social, but none of it compounds into a reliable acquisition engineMy work focuses on building distribution systems that actually scale:• Programmatic SEO and AEO that compounds• Organic content and distribution designed to convert, not just get likes• Content that helps you rank and get recommended by ChatGPT and other LLMsI work with tech teams and founders who want predictable growth without hiring massive teams or chasing tactics that stop working in six months.Here on LinkedIn, I share what we’re learning while building and scaling these companies, so other founders can avoid the mistakes that slow growth and waste years.My goal is simple: be the most transparent founder in the world, share everything, and hide nothing (so you can steal all our tactics to grow your own business) If you’re building a real business and care about predictable demand, following me will be useful.☎️GETTING IN TOUCH IS EASY:📞 Schedule a 30-minute free brainstorm and jam session with me here: https://calendly.com/trykleo/30min (Zero pressure, and if you need to reschedule, go right ahead.)

Rob Hoffman

SEO?
“Just add some keywords”
”Get green lights on Yoast”
”Let’s write a blog and rank #1?”
”Can’t we just buy some backlinks?”

But SEO in 2026 is a totally different beast.

Here’s what it actually involves:

- Total Addressable Search Market
- Google Search Console
- “Don’t change URLs”
- Quick win keywords
- Customer research
- Programmatic SEO
- Entity optimization
- LLM optimization
- Keyword Insights
- Topical authority
- Site architecture
- Schema markup
- Core Web Vitals
- Monthly reports
- Log file analysis
- Google updates
- Brand mentions
- Screaming Frog
- Technical audit
- Content decay
- Internal linking
- XML Sitemaps
- Topic clusters
- “llms.txt file?”
- Search intent
- Link building
- “It depends”
- Crawlability
- Canonicals
- Robots.txt
- Digital PR
- Mentions
- Semrush
- E-E-A-T

Just adding keywords or getting green lights on Yoast doesn't get SEO results.

True SEO and holistic marketing does.

PS. Want to see what SEO in 2026 looks like?

Join our first ever LIVE session later today. RSVP here (it’s free): https://lnkd.in/eiF7S-yM

Daily tactics to grow revenue with organic content and AEO / SEO. | My businesses: Contact.so | Mentions.so | Kleo.so (all bootstrapped, all profitable, all growing)

"I don't know how to do SEO in 2026"

Start from level 1 in The New SEO Game:

SEO isn't just Google rankings anymore.

It's now "Search Everywhere Optimization".

Reframe your “New SEO” project as a game, and you'll become addicted to levelling up.

Level 1: Traditional SEO

- Fix technical problems killing your rankings
- Research keywords and target quick wins
- Optimize on-page elements (titles, content)
- Earn quality backlinks through outreach and PR

Level 2: AI Search Optimization

- Format content so AI can parse it easily
- Build pages that AI platforms want to cite
- Structure information for machine consumption
- Test how your brand appears in AI search results

Level 3: Paid Search Visibility

- Run Google Ads for high-intent keywords
- Target competitor terms with YouTube Search Ads
- Capture Bing traffic through Microsoft Ads
- Measure paid performance across every platform

Level 4: LLM Answer SEO

- Produce authoritative content LLMs trust
- Build a knowledge base for AI training data
- Position your brand as the definitive source
- Monitor brand mentions in LLMs with Mentions

Level 5: Brand Authority SEO

- Get unlinked brand mentions across the web
- Feature in industry roundups and expert lists
- Build brand recognition without traditional backlinks
- Track brand mention volume and sentiment

Level 6: Community SEO

- Provide value in relevant Reddit threads
- Share expertise on Quora in your space
- Engage in Slack communities and Discord servers
- Build reputation in industry forums and groups

Level 7: Parasite SEO

- Repurpose content on Medium and LinkedIn Pulse
- Publish beehiiv newsletters to rank in Google
- Guest post on high-authority platforms/websites
- Leverage existing domain authority for quick rankings

Level 8: Platform-Specific SEO

- Optimize for Amazon search if selling products
- Focus on YouTube SEO for video content
- Master TikTok's algorithm for short-form content
- Optimize App Store listings for apps/extensions

Level 9: Topic Domination

- Own conversations across ALL channels
- Create content ecosystems to reinforce each platform
- Become the go-to expert mentioned everywhere
- Monitor and maintain authority across all channels

Completed all levels?

SEO is constantly evolving in 2026.

Stay ahead or get left behind.

PS. Need help levelling up?

Join our first ever SaaS SEO in 2026 LIVE session tomorrow, March 4th. 
RSVP here (it’s free): https://lnkd.in/eiF7S-yM

We analysed 1,000s of AI answers to find out how LinkedIn content can improve your AI visibility.

Semrush found that LinkedIn is the 2nd most cited website in AI answers (behind Reddit).

But their only other insight?

"LinkedIn: A steady rise across all AI platforms"

So we went much deeper with Mentions and analysed 4.8M AI answers and 13.4M citations.

Here are 7 key insights we found:

1. Almost half (42.5%) of all AI prompts we’re tracking cite LinkedIn at least once. Huge reach for a single platform.

2. AI citations of LinkedIn grew by 72% in just 6 months. AI tools are finding and using LinkedIn content more every month.

3. 85% of LinkedIn citations come from Google’s AI products (AI Mode and Overviews). Using LinkedIn for AI visibility is mostly playing a Google game.

4. LinkedIn Pulse articles get 8x more citations than regular LinkedIn posts. Long articles work way better than short posts for AI visibility.

5. LinkedIn Pulse articles are doing two things at once: They help content rank on Google and then get picked up by AI answers.

6. Company pages get cited more often than any other LinkedIn page type. If your company page ranks well, it is cited more consistently by AI.

7. AI loves LinkedIn most when people ask about people, companies, experience, and practical advice.

Here are the types of prompts where AI is most likely to pull from LinkedIn (from highest to lowest):

- Hiring and HR questions (69.17%)
- Real examples and case studies (65.12%)
- “Who is this person or company?” (58.89%)
- Learning and training topics (57.04%)
- Software and tools (56.10%)
- “Why” questions (54.76%)
- “How” questions (49.72%)
- “Best” or “top” lists (48.92%)
- Recommendations (48.59%)
- Reviews and opinions (48.21%)
- Comparisons (47.35%)
- “What” or “which” questions (45.14%)
- Everything else (33.34%)

We’re currently building an AI visibility strategy for beehiiv using these exact insights.

Worth sharing the process in real-time?

Our SEO Agency is trending on X News right now... last time this happened the CEO of Google himself weighed in.

If you haven't seen it yet, Jake Ward published a controversial article yesterday.

It breaks down his AI-powered SEO experiment that will likely redefine how founders think about organic content and SEO in 2026.

So far, the results are insane:

- +466% SEO traffic growth in 60 days
- 13,000+ pages published in just 3 hours
- 50% of those pages aren't even indexed yet

People think SEO is slow. But this proves it could be the fastest growth channel for startups in 2026.

The two biggest takeaways for founders looking to invest in this growth channel:

1. Content today is built like software, not written.
2. People want to interact with content, not read it.

I've talked to dozens of founders over the past weeks, and one thing is clear…

Most know this is a growth channel they can't miss out on, but have no idea where to start.

If that sounds like you, or you’re wondering whether this would work for your site, DM me or book a call (link in comments).

I called my shot last year, then spent 183 days making it happen:

Launched 2 businesses in 4 cities and hit $75k MRR.

I lived out of a suitcase, built in public, experienced setbacks, took massive risks…

But here’s what calling my shot has made painfully clear:

1. Define the shot before you take it

I asked myself: What would the best 6 months of my life look like?

I wrote down the answer. Then showed it to my co-founder, Jake:

"We’ll spend 6 months moving from city to city, meeting interesting people. Launch two businesses and grow them fast. Build in public, and get invited on all the podcasts we've been fans of for years."

And it all came true.

You can't call your shot if you don't have total clarity on what it is. Write it down. Make it specific. Then do it.

2. Go to where the interesting people are

Whatever shot you're calling, you will need people.

I spent 6 months moving from city to city, connecting with unique and talented people.

The people I met ended up becoming my co-founders, clients, and team members.

Moving cities is your competitive advantage because so few people are willing to do it.

3. Be the first to drink the Kool-Aid

People want to join a mission and get excited about something. So don't be afraid to sell it.

You may never arrive at the original destination, but here's a secret: nobody cares.

Most people just want an excuse to go on an epic adventure.

Dream big, define your vision, then build a team around it.

4. The biggest mistake is moving so slow you don’t make any

Our first CTO quit. And we didn't let it slow us down.

In less than 24 hours we:

Met with a new candidate
Made a handshake deal for equity and comp
Flew him across the world to sleep on our couch

If you make mistakes, good. That means you're moving fast enough.

You can't steer a stationary ship.

5. Be loud and unapologetic

I’ve documented everything we built on platforms like LinkedIn and X.

People told me not to share our numbers and growth strategies publicly. But I did it anyway.

I used Kleo to turn my ideas and stories into posts (like this one) that got attention.

That attention turned into:

- 2 dream podcast appearances
- Incredible talent asking to work with us
- lead flow for all three of our businesses

The most powerful lesson in all this (for business and life)?

When you call your shot…Call it loud.

Life is short. So tell the world exactly what you want, then go get it.

Helping founders make predictable revenue from organic content and rankings on LinkedIn, Google, and LLMs | CEO of Contact.so | Mentions.so | Kleo.so

I run 3 businesses. $400K MRR (total). All growing fast.

Is there some "secret sauce?"

Kind of:

It's called a constraints analysis.

This is the highest leverage skill any Founder can develop.

Before I show you how I do it, remember:

Like any other skill, you build this one through repetition.

Repeat this system every month.

Keep honing your craft.

Hope this helps someone level up their business in 2026.

Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/eSjVPsgj

Acquired & scaled 7 businesses with little or $0 down. | Off-market deal sourcing fanatic. | Helping others do the same.

Hey! Ben here...

I help everyday people buy profitable businesses with little to no money down.

My journey started 6 years ago when I was working 60 hours/week at JP Morgan, dreaming of more time with my family.

Today, I own a portfolio of 6 businesses that generated $7M+ in revenue last year, and I only work 18 hours per week.

The secret?

I discovered how to acquire existing, profitable businesses using creative financing strategies and government-backed loans.

I've used this method to build a portfolio that includes:

• A SaaS company making $150k/year (bought for $5k down)
• An ATM route generating $40k/year (zero money down)
• A financial services company producing $450k/year
• 3 other businesses bringing in steady cash flow

The best part?

I never work more than 20 hours a week.

This gives me the freedom to spend quality time with my wife and three kids while still growing my wealth.

Here's what most people don't realize:

Right now, 10,000 Baby Boomers are retiring every day, many looking to sell their profitable businesses. 

This creates an unprecedented opportunity for those who know how to take advantage of it.

You don't need to start from scratch.
You don't need huge savings.

You just need to know how to structure the right deals.

Want to learn how to buy profitable businesses using other people's money?

📲 DM me "Biz" and I'll show you how.
🤝 Follow me to stick around for more!

Thanks for being here!

Ben Kelly

The only thing better than buying a business...

Is buying one with $0 of your own money.

Most people think wealth comes from working harder.

(It doesn’t)

Wealth comes from owning the right assets.

I discovered this after years of climbing the corporate ladder.

My first business acquisition changed everything.

I invested $5,000 into a software company, and in my first year, I returned $150,000.

That’s when I realized the game-changing truth:

The wealthy don’t trade time for money.
→ They acquire cash-flowing assets using leverage.

Warren Buffett didn’t become a billionaire from a salary.
→ He did it by acquiring ownership in businesses.

Your local millionaire probably isn’t a celebrity or tech founder.
→ They likely own 3-5 “boring” businesses in your community.

My portfolio now includes 8 boring businesses.

Combined annual income: $900,000.
Hours worked weekly: Under 20.

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned:

Stop chasing paychecks.
Start acquiring businesses.

If you want to learn the exact process I used to scale my portfolio to $900k/year...

DM me "Biz" and I'll show you how.

I spent 2 years & $60,000 getting my MBA.

My #1 takeaway?

They’re teaching outdated methods.

& now that my business portfolio is generating $7,000,000+ per year…

Here’s your 2-minute MBA for 2025:

--

1. Stop chasing unicorns, buy cash cows.

Business schools teach:

• Innovation
• Disruption
• Valuation

But in reality? 90% of startups fail.

Meanwhile, boring businesses like HVAC, plumbing, and accounting firms print money year after year.

--

2. Debt isn't the enemy, it's your best friend.

They teach you to avoid debt at all costs.

But smart entrepreneurs use SBA loans to control $1M+ businesses with just 10% down.

The government literally wants you to buy small businesses.

Use their money, not yours.

--

3. The best business plan is buying someone else's.

MBA programs obsess over writing 50-page (hypothetical) business plans.

Skip it.

Get out there and find a 60-year-old with a profitable business who wants to retire.

Their 20+ years of operations are your business plan.

--

4. Time is the only currency that matters.

Business school teaches you to optimize for profit margins and market share.

I optimize for time.

My 8 businesses run without me because I hire great managers that I can trust.

In my book, $850k/year working 20 hours/week beats $200k/year working 60.

--

5. The best customers already exist.

They might teach:

• Market research
• Customer acquisition costs
• Building audiences from scratch

But here's what works:

Buying businesses with existing customers & improving what's already working.

--

6. Your network is your net worth (but not how they teach it).

Business school “networking” is basically just cocktail parties with other students.

But real networking?

It’s finding:

• Investors with capital
• Retiring business owners
• Accountants who audit deals

--

7. The fastest path to wealth is buying it.

They teach you to climb corporate ladders for 20 years to maybe make $300k.

Or you can buy a business making $400k/year profit right now.

The math is simple…

Why build when you can buy?

--

Business school gave me credentials.

Business acquisition gave me freedom.

You don't need the degree to build wealth…

You just need to know where to look.

--

If you want to learn how to build your own portfolio of cash-flowing businesses without the MBA debt…

📲 DM me “Biz” and I'll show you how
🤝 Follow me for more content like this

Thanks for being here!

I hate to break it to you...

But buying a business from a retiring Boomer and hiring a GM will beat 95% of people climbing the corporate ladder.

The best part?

I've done multiple deals like this.

Now I'm exposing my $850k/year blueprint:

–

Step 1: Target retiring boomers.

10,000 Baby Boomers retire every day, & most have no one to hand their business to.

Find owners who:

• Are 55-70 years old
• Have profitable businesses
• Want to retire in 12-24 months

–

Step 2: Focus on boring industries.

Skip the sexy stuff.

I look for:

• Accounting firms
• Laundromats
• Storage
• HVAC
• ATMs
• SaaS

These businesses print cash & aren’t going anywhere.

–

Step 3: Get SBA pre-approved.

The US government WANTS you to buy small businesses.

They'll back up to 90% of the loan.

You'll need:

• 2 years of W-2s or tax returns
• Personal financial statement
• Basic business plan

Have this before making offers.

–

Step 4: Run the numbers.

I only look at businesses with:

• $10k+/month cash flow
• 5+ years operating history
• $500k-$2M purchase price
• Consistent revenue (not declining)

The math has to work from day 1 (if it doesn't cashflow immediately, walk away).

–

Step 5: Structure creative financing.

Here's how I buy with little to $0 down:

• SBA loan covers 90%
• Private investor covers 10%
• Give investor 15% equity in return

They get immediate cash flow, I keep the rest & build equity, it’s a win-win.

–

Step 6: Hire a general manager.

I don't want to buy myself a job.

Before closing, I budget:

• $5-7k/month for a GM (if there isn’t one already)
• Systems documentation
• Training period with seller

The business should run without me full-time there every day (that's the whole point).

–

Step 7: Close & optimize.

The first 90 days are critical.

I focus on:

• Meeting with all employees
• Understanding every system
• Finding quick wins (10-20% improvements)
• Building trust with the team

–

6 years ago…

I was working 60-hour weeks at JP Morgan.

Today?

I work 20 hours/week across 8 businesses that generate $7M+ in revenue.

–

If you want to learn how to buy your first business using this exact strategy...

DM me "Biz" and I'll walk you through it.

If I had $50k sitting in a savings account right now...

Here's exactly how I'd invest it for monthly cash flow:

--

Most people think you need hundreds of thousands in cash to buy a business.

But the truth?

You can buy a cash-flowing business with way less capital than you think.

--

The reality is:

• Banks will loan you 90% (SBA loan)
• Private investors can put up 10%
• You can offer equity in return

That's how you can secure a solid income stream for little to $0 out of pocket.

--

I focus on "boring" businesses:

• HVAC
• ATM Routes
• Accounting Firms
• Waste Management

(They're always cash flow positive with systems that I can improve).

I'll give you my go-to process:

--

1) Pick a recession-proof industry (HVAC, Accounting, Laundromat, etc.)

2) Use a broker (or SMBMarket) to look for businesses that are up for sale.

• 5 years old
• $500k-$1M price
• $10k+/month cash flow

3) Apply for an SBA Loan pre-qualification

4) Bring your tax returns & W2 pay stubs

5) Explain which business you want to acquire and why you are buying it.

6) Hire an accountant to analyze the financials of the business you're looking at.

7) Look for consistent, increasing revenue

8) Talk to sellers (see why they're selling)

9) Make an offer between 2-4x SDE (cash flow)

Example:
↳ If the seller took home $400k last year, you should make an offer of $800k-$1.2M.

10) Use your SBA loan to finance 90%

11) Find an investor who'll give you the last 10% (give them 15% equity in return)

& there you have it.

You bought a business with $0.

--

If you're looking for a real path to ownership that doesn't require you to quit your job or drain your savings, this is it.

Simple. Repeatable. Proven.

DM me “Biz” and I’ll show you how to get started.

If you want to quit your job & replace it with a boring income stream...

Here’s a full blueprint to make $10k/month by the end of 2026:

--

First, let's get real about quitting your job.

You can't just walk away without a plan.

But here's what you CAN do:

Buy one boring business that generates $10k/month while working 15-20 hours per week.

It all comes down to simple execution:

--

Step 1: Find businesses to buy.

Go to SMBmarket and filter for:

• $500k-$1M asking price
• $100k+ annual cash flow
• Service-based businesses

Make a list of 20-30 businesses that fit this criteria.

--

Step 2: Contact sellers & evaluate deals.

The goal is to set up meetings to find out:

• Their reason for selling
• Current team and operations
• Real financials (3 years tax returns)

Hire a CPA to analyze the numbers.

Look for businesses with employees already in place.

--

Step 3: Structure the financing.

Here's how you buy a business with minimal cash down:

• SBA loan covers 80-90% of the price
• Seller financing covers 5-10%
• You cover 5% even potentially bringing $0 to closing

The SBA loan is the key that unlocks everything.

--

Step 4: Complete due diligence.

Spend 30-45 days reviewing:

• 3 years of tax returns
• Customer concentration
• Employee contracts & systems
• Equipment condition & lease agreements

This protects you from buying someone else's problem.

--

Step 5: Close the deal & transition.

The first 90 days are critical.

Focus on:

• Finding quick wins
• Building trust with staff
• Meeting with all employees
• Understanding all the systems

Don't try to change everything at once.

--

Step 6: Hire a general manager.

I don't want to buy myself a job.

Before closing, I budget:

• $5-7k/month for a GM (if there isn't one already)
• Systems documentation
• Training period with seller

The business should run without you there every day.

--

Step 7: Optimize & scale.

After 6 months, you can:

• Adjust pricing structure
• Streamline payment systems
• Look for your second acquisition
• Improve marketing & online presence

The cash flow from business #1 funds business #2.

--

This isn't a 90-day get-rich scheme.

It's a 12-month system that replaces your salary.

If you want the complete framework I used to go from JP Morgan to 8 businesses generating $850k/year...

DM me "Blueprint" and I'll send you the details.

Everyone should learn how to buy a business with little to $0 down.

Why?

Because it's one of the fastest routes to financial freedom.

I discovered this after years of climbing the corporate ladder.

My first acquisition changed everything.

I invested $5,000 into a software company, and in my first year, it returned $100,000+

That’s when I realized:

The wealthy don’t trade time for money.
→ They acquire cash-flowing assets using leverage.

Warren Buffett didn’t become a billionaire from a salary.
→ He did it by acquiring ownership in businesses.

Your local millionaire probably isn’t a celebrity or tech founder.
→ They likely own a “boring” businesses in your community.

My portfolio now includes 8 boring businesses.

Combined annual income: $850,000
Hours worked weekly: ~20

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned?

Stop chasing paychecks...

Start acquiring businesses.

--

If you want to learn the exact strategy I've used to build a $850k/year income stream...

📲 DM me "Biz" and I'll show you how.

Buying businesses changed my life:

• I quit my 9-5 forever
• I get paid $850k every year
• I can travel the world with my kids

If you want to buy your first business in 2026...

Here's my full beginner blueprint:

--

Before I give you the steps…

It’s essential that you understand WHY this opportunity exists right now.

10,000 Baby Boomers retire every single day.

They've spent 20, 30, sometimes 40 years building profitable small businesses.

& most of their kids don't want them.

So what happens when a Boomer wants to retire but has no one to take over?

They sell.

Often at a fair price, with flexible terms, to someone willing to keep their legacy alive.

--

Step 1: Pick a boring, recession-proof industry.

I'm talking about businesses people need no matter what the economy is doing:

• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Accounting
• Laundromats

--

Step 2: Find businesses for sale.

Go to SMBmarket(.)com and start browsing daily.

What you're looking for:

• 5+ years in operation
• $500k–$1M asking price
• $10k+/month in cash flow
• Ideally owned by a Boomer

--

Step 3: Talk to the seller.

Once you find something promising, get on the phone.

1. Ask them why they're selling.
2. Ask for 3 years of financial statements (tax returns, profit & loss).

You're looking for consistent revenue and clean books.

If they can't produce that, walk away.

--

Step 4: Get pre-approved for an SBA loan.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) backs loans that let you finance up to 90% of a business purchase.

It's a government-backed loan designed to help people buy small businesses.

Go to a lender like Live Oak Bank, Byline Bank, or Truliant.

Bring your last 3 years of tax returns, W-2s, and a personal financial statement.

--

Step 5: Run the numbers.

Hire a CPA to look at the financials.

You want to see:

• Healthy profit margins
• No major inconsistencies
• Stable and growing revenue

If the business doesn't cash flow after debt payments, it’s time to move on.

--

Step 6: Make your offer.

Look at the seller's yearly earnings.

Take the average of the last 3 years and multiply it by 2x–4x (deal dependent).

Example: Business earns $200k/year → you offer $400k–$800k.

Then you negotiate from there.

--

Step 7: Structure the deal with creative financing.

Here's how I would buy businesses with little to $0 out of my own pocket:

• SBA loan covers 90%
• Private investor covers the 10%
• Give that investor 15% equity in return

They get immediate cash flow.

I keep the rest and build equity.

--

Step 8: Close & hire a general manager.

Once the deal closes, you don't have to run the day-to-day yourself.

The business already has employees and systems.

Keep the existing team in place, hire a GM to oversee operations, and step into an ownership role.

This is how I manage 7 businesses and only work about 20 hours a week.

--

If you want to learn exactly how to buy your first business for little to $0 down...

DM me "Biz" and I'll show you how.

I found the most boring way to make $100k/year.

(I'm 35, making $79k a month)

How?

Boring businesses.

Here's exactly how to copy me:

--

Step 1: Find a business that's already making money.

Go to SMBmarket(.)com and search for businesses with $10k+/month in cash flow.

Look for boring industries:

• Laundromats
• Accounting firms
• Pool cleaning services

--

Step 2: Let the Boomers come to you.

Millions of business owners are retiring right now and need someone to take over.

• High motivation to sell
• Most have zero succession plan
• Existing customers, employees, & systems

You're not building from scratch.

You're buying something that works.

--

Step 3: Get the government to back your deal.

Apply for an SBA loan through a lender like Live Oak, Byline, or Truliant.

The SBA will back up to 90% of the purchase price.

You'll need your last 2-3 years of tax returns and a personal financial statement.

The bank wants to see you're a safe bet.

--

Step 4: Structure it so you pay little to $0 out of pocket.

Here's the formula:

• SBA loan covers 90%
• Seller financing or a private investor covers the remaining 10%

If you use an investor, give them 10-15% equity.

--

Step 5: Hire a GM and step back.

You don't need to run day-to-day operations.

A solid general manager costs $50-70k/year and handles everything while you oversee the big picture.

This is how I manage 8 businesses in about 20 hours a week.

--

Step 6: Scale like crazy.

One boring business can pay you $100k+/year.

But the real play?

Use the cash flow from business #1 to fund business #2. Then #3, #4, #5…

That's when this goes from "side income" to replacing your corporate salary entirely.

--

The beauty of this model:

No venture capital. No tech skills. No starting from zero.

You're buying businesses that have been profitable for years, backed by government loans, and run by managers.

Set it up right, and you collect cash flow monthly.

--

I own 8 boring businesses that pay me $850k/year.

I bought my first few while I was still working at JP Morgan.

If you want to learn exactly how to buy your first business for little to $0 down…

DM me "Biz" & I'll show you how.

I'm 35.

I own 7 businesses (last year, they made $7,000,000+)

To spread the wealth...

Here’s the most in-depth training I've ever created on small business acquisition:

--

SMBmarket(.)com will be your best friend.

It has tons of listings for owners who are looking to sell their small businesses.

The listings will mention:

• SDE
• FF&E
• EBITDA

–

Search for a business making $10K+/mo in cash flow & has been profitable for >5 years.

🔍 SMBmarket(.)com → Search: *Your Area* / Service Businesses → Price filter = $500k to $1M → More Filters → Cashflow = Min. $10k.

--

Some businesses to look at:

• Financial Services
• Pool Cleaning
• Laundromat
• Plumbing
• HVAC

Before starting the buying process…

–

Determine your goal.

For me, I have a GM who runs day-to-day while I focus on increasing cash flow.

Some people enjoy working day-to-day.

This is your chance to customize your role.

--

You shouldn't make any offers until you've secured your financing options.

There are 4 financing options:

• Buying with your own cash
• SBA loan
• Private investor
• Seller financing

You can use multiple methods or just one.

–

When speaking to lenders (banks/investors)...

1) Position yourself as a "safe" bet.
2) Tell them the type of business you want to acquire & why.
3) Come prepared with your last 3 years of tax returns & W2 pay stubs.
4) Prepare a statement that lists your assets & liabilities.

If you can do these things...

You'll be ahead of 99% of borrowers.

--

You'll want to get the tax returns & P&Ls from the last 3 years.

Profit should be increasing steadily and P&Ls should be relatively consistent with no crazy fluctuations.

Pro Tip:

Hire an accountant to audit the numbers.

–

They can review these KPIs too:

• SDE (Seller discretionary earnings)
• EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization)
• FF&E (Furniture, fixtures & equipment)

Essentially, this means...

→ Total profit
→ Cash flow
→ Movable assets

--

For making an offer...

Take the average SDE from the last 3 years (ex: $450k)

Multiply it by 2.5x = $1,125,000 and round down to $1,000,000 (that's your starting offer).

–

We can purchase this for close to $0 down by talking to our SBA lender & asking for the business to be qualified on the 7a program.

This allows us to get a private investor to cover the down payment, so we're $0 out of pocket.

Let me explain...

--

You give a private investor 10-15% equity & in return, they pay the 10% down payment.

In effect, they’re getting an extra 5% equity for taking a risk on you.

On a $450k/yr business...

Your investor makes $5,250/mo passively, which is a 57% CoC return annually.

–

But you still cash flow $29k/mo...

→ Hire a General Manager ($5k/mo)
→ Your salary ($10k/mo)
→ $14k/mo for the business to grow

Congratulations!

You now own a small business.

–

If you want to learn more about how you can acquire a boring business for yourself...

📲 DM me "Biz" and I'll show you how.

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