Dealmakers Podcast

Handling Adversity In Business Acquisition

Andy Harrington joins Jonathan Jay to break down how acquisition entrepreneurs can stay resilient, manage disappointment, ask better questions, choose stronger peer groups, and keep deal momentum when setbacks hit.

Listen to the Episode

Episode 222  |  Runtime: 24:04  |  Audio Episode

Listen to the Episode

Hear Andy Harrington explain how business buyers can deal with adversity, failed deals, seller disappointment, negative advice, and pressure without losing control of the acquisition process.

Episode: 222
Runtime: 24:04
Topic: Acquisition resilience and deal setbacks
Format: Expert interview with Andy Harrington

Key Takeaways

Three direct lessons for acquisition entrepreneurs who need to stay effective when deals become difficult.

Control Your State Before You Solve The Problem

When a seller pulls out, funding delays, or a deal changes, the first move is to calm the physical response so your decisions are not driven by panic.

Ask Better Questions After A Setback

Strong buyers avoid destructive questions and use practical prompts such as what can be learned, who can help, and what action should happen next.

Choose Advice From The Right Peer Group

Not every opinion is useful. Acquisition entrepreneurs need people below them to lead, peers to share the journey with, and experienced operators to learn from.

Episode Breakdown

In this episode, Jonathan Jay continues his conversation with communications expert Andy Harrington, focusing on how entrepreneurs handle adversity in business. For anyone buying a company, adversity is not theoretical. Sellers change their mind, financing can stall, negotiations can reopen, and disappointment can damage judgement if it is not managed properly.

Andy explains why the questions business owners ask themselves under pressure can either sharpen their thinking or send them into a negative spiral. Instead of asking what is wrong with me or why is this happening, he argues for calmer, solution based questions that turn a setback into feedback. This applies directly to acquisition activity, especially when a promising deal fails, a seller becomes difficult, or a buyer loses confidence.

The discussion also covers the importance of peer groups, the danger of taking advice from people who have not done what you are trying to do, and why difficult voices can still provide useful contrast. For acquisition entrepreneurs, the episode is a reminder that resilience, emotional control, and the right support network are essential parts of buying and growing businesses.

Best For

  • First time business buyers dealing with seller rejection or stalled negotiations.
  • Acquisition entrepreneurs who lose confidence after a deal falls apart.
  • Buyers building better decision processes under pressure.
  • Operators choosing mentors, advisers, and peer groups for acquisition growth.
  • Dealmakers who want more resilience during financing, due diligence, and completion.

Questions Answered In This Episode

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