should i start or buy a business?

Most people should NOT start a business.

There, I said it. While this may be controversial among founders, for most aspiring entrepreneurs - especially those who want to actually make money - buying a business is the smarter, faster, and more profitable path.

I understand the appeal. Starting from scratch sounds romantic and exciting.

But here's the uncomfortable truth: the odds are stacked against you. Roughly 90% of startups fail, often after years of grueling work with no payoff. Meanwhile, acquiring a healthy, cash-flowing company allows you to control something that already works—complete with paying customers, proven processes, and a real bottom line.

The "romance" of building something new masks a harsh reality: starting from zero means years of unpaid work and speculative risk. As an acquirer, you can focus on growth rather than survival.

Success comes from choosing the right battles. Why fight gravity when you can harness momentum?

The honest truth? I’ve met A LOT of painfully unremarkable business people who are crushing it because they bought a business.

These former middle managers skip the painful early years of entrepreneurship by buying proven businesses, then apply their expertise to scale what’s already working. While start-ups struggle to find product-market fit, acquirers focus on optimization and growth.

Meanwhile, the "tech founder" often survives on ramen, grinding away at an idea that might never work, repeatedly telling their spouse, "if this deal happens—it'll be a game changer," only for the deal (and marriage) to fall through.

While I love starting businesses, without a unique competitive advantage—like proprietary marketing channels or intellectual property—I've witnessed firsthand how it can punch you in the face.

Still not deterred from starting a business? (classic entrepreneur behaviour, tbh) you really need to read my 7 deadly sins to avoid as an entrepreneur.

Want to learn more about acquisition entrepreneurship? Read my full thoughts on the topic HERE.

idea of the week 💡

• problem: people are freaking out about the amount of microplastics in their bodies.

• idea: Subscription box for plastic-free personal care products with a focus on bathroom essentials. Each product comes with third-party lab certification confirming zero microplastic content. Include items like bamboo toothbrushes, solid shampoo bars, plastic-free deodorant, and biodegradable floss.

• how it makes money: Monthly subscription box.

• why it might fail: there is likely already competition out there. The key to this idea working is landing an influencer in this space that has been recently covering the risk of micro-plastics.

friday fitness

Three workouts to challenge yourself this weekend.

at-home workout:

Complete 4 rounds:

• 25 mountain climbers (each leg)

• 15 burpees

• 25 air squats

• 45-second plank

• 20 bicycle crunches

Rest 60 seconds between rounds

gym workout

• 4x10 barbell squats

• 3x12 dumbbell rows

• 4x8 overhead press

• Finisher: 100 kettlebell swings for time

outdoor workout

Complete 5 rounds:

• Run 400m

• 15 jump lunges (each leg)

• 20 bodyweight squats

• 10 burpees

• Bear crawl 20m

tweet of the week

the image selection 😂 some great (and very nerdy) fitness content though

my plugs

• Schedule a 15-minute consultation call to discuss buying or selling your business.

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