With the continued shift in advertiser interest (and budgets) toward search marketing, the lack of seasoned search vets (and a widespread, formal training system to develop them) is creating a talent
vacuum. And in the quest to build out a proper search practice, Jennifer Osborne says that some companies will go the acquisition route. So if you're a search consultancy, or even a mid-sized firm and
you're seeking to scale out, it could be your time to become part of a larger entity. Osborne has some tips to smooth the process.
For one- or two-man shops, an acquisition is about your
talent and reputation. "To be attractive to a potential buyer in this scenario, you MUST have a well known name in the industry," Osborne says. Case studies from big name brands and participation in
industry events will also cement your credibility as an authority.
A small or mid-size shop acquisition is a talent play--but will also involve considerations about the size and
strength of your team. Are you experiencing high turnover--or do you have senior people staying on to lead the junior staffers? Also, are your bank statements showing that the operations strategy
(including sales, marketing and actual search practice) is a successful one?
Read the whole story at Search Engine People »