What I learned at SMB Social Toronto
Nunzio Presta, BCom
Successful leader who built & sold a tech business, with M&A, HR and Sports expertise.
On June 15th, I had the incredible opportunity to organize and host SMB Social Toronto, an exhilarating live meetup for Micro-PE, SMB & ETA searchers/sellers, operators, and investors. The evening was hosted by BuyAndSellABusiness.com and sponsored by TD Bank. The event brought together close to 200 like-minded individuals who share a passion for small and medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurship, and the world of acquisitions. As one attendee said: “It was really great to be in a room full of people who understand the space we are focused on. Search is relatively new(ish) in Canada and it felt good to have people to talk to who “got it”.”
?And I couldn’t agree more.
?The images capture more than a full capacity event of remarkable professionals from the SMB and ETA community. It symbolizes a decade of unwavering determination, tireless effort, and a deep dedication to a cause that is dear to me: empowering people to love what they do. I am immensely proud of my team and sincerely thankful for our esteemed speakers, generous sponsor, and all the attendees who graced the occasion.
?As we gathered, networked, and learned from insightful presenters, the event proved to be an inspiring and invaluable experience for all who attended. Here are my thoughts:
A Vibrant Atmosphere:
From the moment the doors opened, the room buzzed with anticipation. Entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts filled the space, creating a vibrant atmosphere ripe with potential connections and opportunities. As attendees mingled, shared stories, and exchanged business cards, it was evident that the passion and energy in the room was contagious.
Insightful Presentations:
One of the highlights of SMB Social Toronto was the opportunity to hear from three exceptional presenters. Each speaker shared their expertise and shed light on essential topics relevant to our community. The first presentation focused on nurturing relationships with sellers with David C Barnett, emphasizing the importance of trust, communication, and understanding between buyer and seller. Attendees were given valuable insights into building strong partnerships that can lead to successful acquisitions.
The second presentation by Natalie McFarlane?delved into post-acquisition marketplace confidence and how reframing its relationship with the law enables a legacy of?success for a SMB. Natalie explored how strategic legal support produces marketplace trust and growth and explored strategies to maintain momentum after closing a deal; offering practical advice on managing integration challenges, retaining talent, and fostering a positive company culture.
The final presentation with Jay Vasantharajah was centered around deal structuring, a crucial aspect of any successful acquisition. Attendees gained valuable insights into various deal structures, including earn-outs and seller notes. The speaker shared best practices, highlighting the importance of aligning interests and setting clear expectations during the negotiation process.
Networking and Connections:
Beyond the insightful presentations, SMB Social Toronto provided a platform for attendees to expand their professional networks. The event facilitated meaningful conversations, with participants exchanging ideas, experiences, and contact information. Whether it was discussing potential business partnerships, exploring acquisition opportunities, or simply learning from one another - the connections made at SMB Social Toronto were invaluable. The layout was perfect, it forced people to move around and not just stand in one space. There was also a great mix of people. The importance of prioritizing relationships was evident, and this is what it’s all about.
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Food, Drinks, and Camaraderie:
Of course, no gathering is complete without good food and drinks. SMB Social Toronto offered a delightful spread of refreshments, ensuring attendees were well-fed and energized throughout the event. As we savored delicious Italian dishes served by Carolina Pizzeria and had drinks flowing, the sense of camaraderie among participants grew stronger, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. The room was buzzing with energy.
Hosting this event was special, not because we hit full capacity, but as I mentioned, it symbolizes a decade of unwavering determination, tireless effort, and a deep dedication to push our cause forward. Together, let us persist in our mission to Make Business Ownership Real for millions.?
PS Want to attend the next one? Click here to join our waiting list.
With the success of BossUp and now SMBSocialTO, we want to up our game. Learn more about SMB Retreat here.
Feel free to share your thoughts on this article by leaving a comment or sending me a?tweet.
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Nunzio Presta?is the Founder and CEO of?BuyAndSellABusiness.com, an online platform where people can buy, sell and grow all types of businesses in the micro market.?Join?our growing community today for free.
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Great night.