Setting OKRs to Stay on Track in My Acquisition Journey
2/15/20253 min read
Success in entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) doesn’t happen by accident—it requires a structured approach, clear goals, and consistent action. That’s why I’ve adopted OKRs (Objectives & Key Results) to keep myself accountable and measure my progress in building my deal flow and online presence.
By setting measurable goals, I can ensure that every step I take is moving me closer to acquiring the right business. Here’s how I’m applying OKRs to stay focused and build momentum in my acquisition journey.
OKR #1: Create Constant Deal Flow
📌 Objective: Establish a steady pipeline of on-market and off-market business acquisition opportunities.
🔹 Why This Matters:
A consistent deal flow is crucial for identifying the best acquisition opportunities. Instead of waiting for deals to come to me, I’m proactively reaching out to brokers and business owners.
✅ Key Results:
Reach out to 5 brokers weekly to get added to their email lists and stay informed about new listings.
Send postcards to business owners monthly to generate off-market leads.
Track all outreach efforts in a spreadsheet to measure my engagement with brokers and business owners.
📊 How I’m Tracking This:
I’ve created a deal flow tracking spreadsheet where I log:
🔹 The brokers I’ve contacted, their responses, and any deals they’ve sent my way.
🔹 Business owners I’ve reached out to, whether through postcards, emails, or networking.
🔹 The number of deals reviewed and analyzed each week.
🚀 Progress So Far:
I’ve already connected with multiple brokers and have been added to their email lists. I'm still working to create personal relationship so as to get sent pocket listings
I’ve sent out a postcard campaign to Pest Control companies in my area that meet my criteria
My tracking system is in place, helping me stay organized and consistent.
This is just the beginning, but I know that by staying disciplined, I’ll build a steady stream of acquisition opportunities over the coming months.
OKR #2: Build My Online Presence & Network
📌 Objective: Establish myself in the SMB (Small and Medium Business) acquisition space by creating valuable content and building relationships.
🔹 Why This Matters:
A strong online presence helps me:
✅ Attract potential sellers who may be considering an exit.
✅ Connect with other acquisition entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals.
✅ Learn from and engage with the SMB community to stay informed and improve my strategy.
✅ Key Results:
Post daily content on LinkedIn and X (Twitter) about my journey, insights, and lessons.
Engage with at least 5 people weekly in the SMB community by commenting, sharing, or discussing relevant topics.
Optimize my LinkedIn and website to clearly articulate my mission and business acquisition criteria.
📊 How I’m Tracking This:
I’m using a content calendar to schedule and track my posts, ensuring I stay consistent. I also maintain a networking tracker where I record:
🔹 New connections in the SMB space.
🔹 Conversations with business owners, investors, and mentors.
🔹 Key insights and takeaways from my engagement with others.
🚀 Progress So Far:
Website launched, serving as my digital hub for business owners and investors to learn about my acquisition journey.
LinkedIn and X profiles updated to reflect my mission, making it clear who I am and what I’m looking for.
Consistent daily posting to document my journey and share valuable insights with my growing network.
Lessons Learned from Setting OKRs
📌 1. Focus Creates Momentum
By setting clear Objectives & Key Results, I’m eliminating distractions and focusing only on actions that drive real progress.
📌 2. Consistency is Key
Whether it’s reaching out to brokers, sending postcards, or posting online, staying consistent is what will yield results over time.
📌 3. Tracking Progress is Essential
Using spreadsheets and tracking tools helps me see what’s working, identify gaps, and improve my approach.
What’s Next?
These OKRs are just the beginning. As I build deal flow, strengthen my network, and gain traction online, I’ll continue refining my approach and setting new OKRs to accelerate my path toward acquiring a business.