I Can Help You Manage IT Due Diligence AND Close a Merger & Acquisition IT Integration Project in 120 Days or Less! —Secrets Never Before Revealed—
Good Morning Fellow IT Manager,
You thought that it was going to be another boring week of hardware refreshes and software upgrades. Then your blackberry buzzes for the 20th time this morning – you’re being called into an emergency meeting.
You get there and find that your peers – the other senior functional managers – as well as some of the CEOs direct reports are all there.
They announce that your company has just made a major strategic acquisition.
Then the bombshell – they tell you that you have 120 days to integrate their IT systems into yours.
And they want to know what your plan is . . . . . . .
Right now!
Everyone in the room is looking at you.
What you say next will make or break your career.
And by the way, the clock is ticking . . . .
Not Everyone Will Have The Guts To Lead!
Hi, my name is Tom Barnett, and I have been in that meeting. In my experience there are only two kinds of IT managers – those that have been through an acquisition and those that will. And with the career stakes so high when it does happen – can you afford to leave anything to chance?
I’m telling you right now that you don’t have to. . .
You see, not only have I been in that meeting, but I have been through the systems integration process that comes with almost every merger and acquisition.
And I have taken all of my experience and documented it in a comprehensive 48 page report that provides the details on the flexible and repeatable framework that I continue to use successfully today. I call it Street Smart Acquisitions.
All acquisitions should start with good due diligence. Yet this is the area most companies fail at. If you mess up step 1 – everything after it gets exponentially harder. Before you make your first technology change you need to do your homework. If you don’t you won’t know what is affected when you pull your first plug, or which plug should BE the first plug and why.
There is a learning curve to anything new.
In Street Smart Acquisitions you get everything you need to blast through the learning curve to get you and your team delivering from Day 1.
Everything is designed to help you be more effective right out of the gate.
You’ll get:
- A Plan The Street Smart Acquisitions Report and included question lists will help you define what exactly you’re dealing with. By walking you through each of the 6 Dimensions of an IT integration.
- Data Collection Templates – The Tools of the Trade The biggest challenge to any acquisition is to know what you don’t know. With the STREET SMART DATA COLLECTION TEMPLATES you get the detailed questions and assessments for all 6 key areas to allow you to quickly clear up the picture and have details to work with.
- Your Opening Moves — Ready To Execute – You will need to quickly determine how to integrate the new staff you’ve acquired and define roles and job functions. This system includes job descriptions for nearly 20 of the most common IT jobs you’ll likely encounter in any IT shop.
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A Blueprint for Your Acquisition, End to End As part of the STREET SMART ACQUISITIONS system – you get a template project plan to execute a typical acquisition in 120 days.
The Career Diamond Hidden in Every Acquisition
When I first found myself in the uncomfortable situation of finding out that the company I worked for was acquired by another corporation – my first thought was ‘oh no, how do I protect my job?’
I became painfully aware of every piece of office gossip or rumor about the new company that just purchased us. And I was constantly looking for the early clue that my job was going to be on the chopping block.
I was talking one day at lunch with a consultant that we had hired for another project (prior to acquisition being announced) and he heard my moaning and head-in-the-sand thinking and he gave me a cold splash of water right in my face.
He said (in his Dallas twang) “Look, ya got two choices – hide under rock and wait to get shot, or grab the bull by the horns and shape your new world.”
He told me that he has seen acquisitions before and that fear prevents anyone from taking anything that looks like a risk. Almost everyone walks around playing the same games with themselves that I was doing. He said the opportunities were ripe. If I would just put myself out there and take the responsibility for all or part of the acquisition I would fling myself up the corporate ladder.
He said “. . . and it’s easy to step up; no one else’ll be fightin’ you for it.”
I took the gamble.
I got a lot of bumps and bruises through that first experience. But I kept documenting what I learned and kept adding to my process until I had a great system that I could apply to almost any acquisition and I could almost predict how it much effort each project would take.
There are diamonds waiting to be snatched during the chaos of an acquisition. Having the guts to take the risk is the first step. If you don’t have that risk-taking streak in you then don’t bother reading the rest of this letter, it won’t do you any good.
If you think you do have what it takes to become a leader, and an ability to take the calculated risk, then keep reading – Street Smart Acquisitions can give you the tools you need to conquer what you’re up against.
Would It Make a Difference If You Had Access To an Established Playbook?
Of course it would! I have walked the walk – many times. . . . enough to know where the landmines are, but also where the opportunities lie. As I result, the STREET SMART ACQUISITIONS system is a proven punch list of what has worked on M&A’s in the past. This is the system that I would use as a consultant when I would first show up at the company to start the M&A Integration process.
Business acquisitions are unsettling times for any IT department, both the buyer and the one being bought. Anytime change happens it’s unsettling to everyone. I have been in the middle of company acquisitions and, most critically, I have been on both sides of the strategic acquisition process. I can tell you exactly what to expect and how to plan for it.
But Wait . . . This Isn’t For Everyone
Imagine being pulled into that CEO meeting again.
Instead of being caught by surprise and having that flash of panic about how to even start something like this – imagine yourself cool and collected – confidently ticking off exactly how you plan to grab this initiative as you list off the first 10 things you’ll do and who you’ll need on your team to do it.
When the CEO flips the challenge to you – you don’t even flinch and confidently shoot back “Consider it done!” and mean it. The other ‘managers’ in the room are squirming and trying not to make eye contact with anyone . . . . and they are stunned silent when you say you’ll take it.
You can take the challenge because you will be tactically prepared for leading the acquisition like no one else in the company. You may not have all of the answers – but you will have a plan for finding them out.
You’ll be primed with the crucial questions for the critical transition areas:
- Hardware – The pivotal questions you HAVE TO FOCUS ON
- Software - Checklists to make sure you leave nothing to chance
- Network – The NETWORK questions that will make or break you!
- Data – The often missed DATA checklists to ensure a smooth post-cutover
- Process – Key questions that will make your support cutover nearly transparent
- People – Checklists to quickly assess staff and get them performing FAST.
IT Careers are Made and Broken During Mergers and Acquisitions
I have seen this proven time and time again. Anytime sudden change happens in an organization – particularly through M&As – there is a new opportunity for someone to step forward and shine. IT leaders show their grit during the stress of integrating a new company.
But with each new acquisition there is another opportunity for the next star to rise. You don’t want the new leader to come from the ‘other company’ do you? It only takes an instant to grab the initiative when the opportunity presents itself – hesitate and it’s gone.
You could end up reporting to the new guy because he or she took the lead and offered to call the shots and manage the integration. After all, they do have one advantage because they know their own operation inside out – but what they don’t know anything about is the company that now owns them.
Get this special report TODAY and be prepared for the career making (or breaking) instant that managing the integration can become yours. You have the competitive advantage within your reach right now.
As Seen In COMPUTERWORLD!
You probably read the article I wrote in COMPUTERWORLD magazine on October 22, 2007 entitled “How To Beat The Acquisition Integration Blues” where I outlined my unique 6-dimension STREET SMART ACQUISITIONS approach.
Because of all the mergers and acquisition activity going on, this continues to be one of the hottest issues of the day. Remember – if you haven’t been exposed to this sort of thing before, NOW is the time to get prepared for it, because the time WILL come. DO NOT be caught asleep at the wheel.
With Global Impact!
COMPUTERWORLD [Portugal] highlighted the concepts I wrote about in the original ComputerWorld piece and it found a welcomed audience (click here to see). Portugal is currently going through a lot of M&A’s as their businesses consolidate and merge. These concepts caused a ripple effect as the framework sparked a lot of action-oriented discussions.
There is NO OTHER SYSTEM like this on the Market!
And here’s why there were so many discussions and why it’s such a valuable resource…
1. I explain how to attack an area of IT that happens a lot, but has very few resources that you can refer to on ‘How To’ do it
2. I don’t just hint at types of questions you ‘might’ want to ask – I give the questions and the templates to capture the answer with.
3. I not only explain how the typical M&A will unfold, I give you a plan for how to do it.
4. I walk you through how to run a typical testing scenario during your first network ‘cut-over’ night. What works and what doesn’t.
Charting the unknown is hard. Don’t make it harder. Let someone who has already been there show you the way. During the absurdly short timeframe that you’ve been given to complete your integration, the worst thing that you can do is waste time spinning your wheels on non-productive activities. Keep your team focused and working towards the deadlines with proven strategies for IT integration. STREET SMART strategies!
Limited Availability!
What would something like that be worth to you?
How much do you think you would have to pay to get this much knowledge?
Knowledge that is usually only gotten through globe-trotting consultants that come with astronomical fees and expenses along with them?
With these techniques you’ll be the resident expert on M&As and able to attack an acquisition like a pro.
The material in STREET SMART ACQUISITIONS is so exclusive that sales are being limited to 1 per email domain address. That means only 1 copy of STREET SMART ACQUISITIONS will be sold per company. Don’t miss out on this opportunity because with this kind of restriction – this offer will not last long!
I’ll tell you how inexpensive STREET SMART ACQUISITIONS really is in minute.
Remember, you get these bonuses:
BONUS #1 – Hit the Ground Running with The Street Smart Acquisition Data Collection Template!
We all know that any do-it-yourself’er is always more successful and the results look more professional with the right tools. With the Street Smart Acquisition Tool Kit you will get a data collection templates that support all of the 6 areas outlined in the report for collecting the necessary information for your own street smart acquisition. Find out the hard questions to ask including:
For a limited time, this Tool Kit is INCLUDED at no cost and is available electronically or (or via the mail on CD with the special whitepaper report included).
BONUS #2 – Street Smart Acquisition Project Plan!
We all know that it’s easier to start modifying something someone else has done that it is to start from scratch. Starting with blank pages take too much time! Included in this special offer is the Street Smart Project Plan which will give you a project schedule in ©Microsoft Project Plan (.mpp) format.
To get you started — . I have a typical work breakdown structure for an average 3-4 person initial team to execute an acquisition in 120 days or less. It gives you the timetables and sequence that major work should be done in.
You’ve go enough to do with your acquisition—writing a project plan from scratch shouldn’t be one of them.
BONUS #3 – Street Smart Acquisition IT Job Descriptions!
One of the cornerstones of the Street Smart Acquisitions methodology is being able to clearly define people and roles. The prime output of that exercise is Job Descriptions. If you don’t already have a detailed list of IT job descriptions, or even if you do and just want to double-check against Street Smart’s Descriptions, then this document could be priceless.
Included are detailed job descriptions for nearly 20 key IT staff positions. From Wintel Engineer to Back Up and Restore, from Service Desk to Wireless Support and Change Control, and more!
If you have to post for positions to hire during your Acquisition and Transition activities then this document is MUST.
BONUS #4 – Street Smart Acquisitions Blueprint!
When everyone is sitting around the table, without a clue of where to start, you can stop your team from spinning there wheels by laying out the Street Smart Acquisition Blueprint. This Blueprint will map out all of the areas and intersections of your acquisition and allow you to point directly at what needs to get done next. This Blueprint is THE way to gain instant recognition on the team that YOU not only know what you’re doing but where you are going!
This Blueprint will save you hours of precious time applying the Street Smart Techniques to the ‘Big Picture’ – it is all laid out and waiting for you to start following it to success! Acquisitions aren’t easy so don’t make it harder; let the Blueprint map out your strategy.
BONUS #5 – Street Smart Acquisition Financial Modeling Template!
One of the FIRST questions management will ask you is not how long will it take (they already told when it HAS to be done) but they will want to know how much will it cost!
They are going to need cost projections from you . . . quickly. I know, I know – you can’t deliver a solid estimate until you have totally built out the plan . . . . but they want it anyway
This budgeting workbook will help you to identify and quantify all of the different variables and cost drivers that are buried in a project like this. There are so many costly pieces to keep track of that you could very easily miss things and come up with a low-ball estimate.
The STREET SMART ACQUISITIONS Financial Modeling Template guide you through coming up with cost estimates around:
1. Data Center Facility
2. Hardware
3. Software
4. Data Storage
5. Transition Activity
6. People
It also has a calculation sheet to roughly perform some square footage equations to see how much floor space you’ll need to handle the new racks that you may move in.
This Budgeting Tool alone is worth the price of the entire STREET SMART ACQUISITIONS package!
Limited Time Offer!
During this special, limited time offer – you can get the STREET SMART ACQUISITIONS special report including all 5 Bonus Items electronically (PDFTM format) emailed to you for only $179.00! This blockbuster report is a MUST if you are taking on any large IT change of any kind. Don’t let this opportunity slip by!
The price won’t hit your wallet that much – but the wealth of knowledge it contains will be PIVOTAL to your career!
During these challenging times, most people are scared to take a chance. When everyone else is standing around waiting for someone to lead, for someone to tell them what to do – you will be prepared to do it.
How well does this system work?
Don’t take my word for it.
See what people who have actually used STREET SMART ACQUISITIONS have to say:
“. . . a Great Reference Point.”
We are a $30 billion a year company, recently engaged in numerous large acquisitions. The job of integrating these IT infrastructures is like changing the tires on a Formula 1 race car while it is in the race.
I recently came across Tom Barnett’s “Street Smarts Acquisitions” product while reading CIO magazine in route from Chicago to Boston. I have found the tool to be a great reference point to bring visibility to the many tasks that are required in any acquisition.
If you don’t already have a roadmap that can you lead you through the land mines that can haunt you during the many phases of a multi-year acquisition project you will find “Streets Smarts” another good resource to have in your tool box.”
-C.W.
“. . . Excellent.”
“The toolkit provides for an excellent start and will most likely encompass 95% of the actions required to seamlessly integrate an acquisition into the current environment and avoid very costly rework and potential business loss.”
- W.Don Gottwald, Phd.
100% No-Risk Guarantee
If you are not absolutely pleased with Street Smart Acquisitions — or if you discover that knowing how to manage IT Acquisition is just not for you – you can return the materials to me within 30 days for a full, no-questions-asked refund.
Things are moving faster in today’s global marketplace. Companies are acquired, sold off, and merged faster than ever before. YOUR ability to be the leader of that change will make you indispensable to your company. You simply can not afford to wait. If you wait—you will likely end up reporting to the person who DOES grab the M&A by the horns and starts executing.
“If you don’t have a competitive advantage, don’t compete.” Jack Welsh
Don’t delay – this report IS THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE you need to immediately grab an M&A fast so you can deliver it on time! Use my experience so you can Hit the Ground Running!
Here’s how to order right now!
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To your success,
Tom Barnett
P.S: If you want to be sure that you are prepared for that unexpected ‘All Hand’s Meeting’ . . . . . if you want to be sure that when opportunity abruptly appears you don’t react out of fear – but act by grabbing it by the horns . . . . if you are ready to add a skill to your resume that has previously only been taught through the harsh-reality of on-the-job experience . . . . . and if you have decided to add some powerful acquisition tools and templates to your already impressive arsenal . . . . then I urge to you to order “Street Smart Acquisitions” today!
P.P.S: You don’t have to get this report . . . . there are other ways to insure yourself against the chaos of a company buyout . . . but if you don’t plan on getting this report. . . . . what is your Plan ‘B’?