Treat Your ETA Search Like a Startup | Richard Chance at Acquire Fort Worth

In this special episode of Before You Buy or Sell a Business, we're sharing a presentation from Acquire Fort Worth, Jared Johnson's monthly event for entrepreneurs through acquisition (ETA), buyers, operators, and investors. Richard Chance, Professor at Tarrant County College and founder of the ETA Accelerator Program, shares the lessons he's learned from working with hundreds of aspiring business buyers. Rather than focusing on deal structure or financing, Richard explores the mindset, habits, and behaviors that consistently separate successful searchers from those who struggle to acquire a business. Throughout the presentation, he discusses why buyers should treat their search like a startup, the importance of building systems instead of relying on motivation, how repetition develops better acquisition judgment, and why relationships, consistency, and execution often matter more than finding the "perfect" deal. Whether you're just beginning your search or actively evaluating acquisitions, this presentation offers practical insights into building a more disciplined and successful acquisition process. Main Takeaways: Treat your business search like a startup by building systems, measuring progress, and committing to consistent effort. Focus on the activities you can control instead of becoming discouraged by outcomes you cannot control. Distinguish between real obstacles and self-imposed barriers that often prevent buyers from taking action. Build an acquisition operating system to manage outreach, relationships, deal flow, and personal performance. Reviewing more opportunities develops better acquisition instincts and improves decision-making over time. Don't let the pursuit of the "perfect" acquisition prevent you from gaining valuable ownership experience. Success in ETA requires strong habits, accountability, and a support network that helps you stay consistent. The best opportunities often begin as conversations, relationships, or situations, not listings. Develop a value creation plan before closing so you're prepared to operate and grow the business from day one. Long-term success in acquisition entrepreneurship comes from consistency, discipline, and continuous learning, not luck.