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Aaron Levenstadt on Narrowing Your Focus to Broaden Your Appeal


Discover how focusing on one service helped Aaron Levenstadt stand out in SEO, build trust, and achieve a profitable exit.


Weekly Pilot Briefing

Another great listen!  In this episode, John and Aaron address the fabled phrase “The Riches are in the Niches.”  


For those unfamiliar with the turn of phrase, it means that buyers often favor those companies that are hyper-specialized, and laser focus on a specific niche audience or provide a particular niche service. 


Their conversation centered around the fact that transitioning to a niche is a process that is sometimes scary to start but can increase value dramatically when fully executed.  John mentioned that he believes that narrowing his focus allowed for better market differentiation and created client confidence. 


He also noted that explaining this differentiation using the “We help clients…” statement is easy.  Many of our clients have made the change to niche specialization and worked towards productizing their services using the Value Builder TVR (Teachable, Valuable, Repeatable) methodology. 


Not only does this reduce owner centricity and make their business easier to run and more profitable, but it presents a much more appealing target to potential acquirers, ultimately leading to higher multiples and valuations.


Some other noteworthy sections with timestamps:


5:45 – Having the confidence to say “No”

7:30 – Complexity Grows Exponentially

11:30 – The Triggering Event: When to Sell?  How much is enough?  Want to know your Freedom Point?  Take the free assessment: https://www.flightplanstrategies.com/freedom-score

25:30 – Selling to a PE Firm vs. Strategic Buyer (Business Value AND Deal Terms)

31:30 – Avoiding Owner Centricity (Hub and Spoke) through SOPs, Delegation, and Decentralization

42:00 – Recommendation: Educate yourself and prepare for your sale before starting the process.


After listening to the podcast, go ahead and download our new eBook Riches in the Niches: How Narrowing your Focus Boosts the Value of your Business, and delve into the strategic advantages of focusing on a singular, differentiated offering. 





About this Episode

Aaron Levenstadt built Pedestal Search into a business worth selling by mastering one thing: SEO. While clients tempted him to offer other services, Aaron knew the real value lay in doing one thing better than anyone else.


In this episode of Built to Sell Radio, Aaron shares how focusing on one service helped him stand out in a crowded market and achieve a successful exit.


In this interview, you discover how to:


  • Stay disciplined and resist the temptation to offer more than one service


  • Use specialization to differentiate your business and build trust with clients


  • Build a valuable company by becoming the best at one thing


  • Create an advisory board of people who’ve already achieved what you’re aiming for


  • Apply the Rule of 20 to ensure your exit provides financial security for life


  • Balance the emotional highs and lows of selling your company



Aaron’s story proves that specializing can be the key to building a business that’s not only profitable but also highly attractive to buyers. Learn how focusing on your core strength and getting the right guidance can transform your company and lead to a successful exit.



About Our Guest

Aaron Lavenstadt

Aaron Levenstadt is the founder of Pedestal Search, a digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) firm dedicated to helping businesses enhance their online presence and drive measurable growth.


With a background at Google, where he consulted with Fortune 500 companies on digital strategy, Aaron brings unparalleled expertise in leveraging search engines to unlock market opportunities.


Through Pedestal Search, Aaron combines innovative technology with data-driven strategies to empower clients to rank higher, convert more leads, and build sustainable digital ecosystems.


Aaron is passionate about helping businesses of all sizes navigate the complexities of digital marketing, and his work has contributed to transformative success for his clients.


With an eye for innovation and a commitment to delivering results, Aaron is a thought leader in the SEO industry and a recognized voice on topics related to digital strategy, search technology, and online growth.


 

Definitions

Due-Diligence: This is a comprehensive appraisal of a business or investment undertaken before a merger, acquisition, or investment. It seeks to validate the information provided and uncover any potential risks or liabilities.


Earn-out: This is a financing arrangement for the purchase of a business, where the seller must meet certain performance goals before receiving the full purchase price. It reduces the buyer’s risk and aligns the interests of both parties post-acquisition.


Letter of Intent (LOI): This document outlines the basic terms and conditions of a deal before a formal agreement is drawn up. It serves as a mutual commitment between the buyer and the seller to move forward with the transaction on the agreed-upon terms.



 

Want to dive deeper into your exit planning? 

Prepare for your successful exit with four powerful assessments available on our homepage.



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