APRIL 5, 2026 • DENISE KENSON • FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA
Month 2: Research Mode, Spouse Brainstorms & The Big Decision
One month after hitting “publish” on my very first raw post, things started to shift.
I’ll be honest — I wasn’t ready to share that first post with the world. I was still deep in the fog of the layoff. But just writing it down helped more than I expected. It was the first small step toward clarity.
As I shared in Month 1, those early weeks were filled with panic-mode résumé updates, LinkedIn tweaks, and interviews. Then came the powerful “Why am I rushing back into the same system?” moment that changed my direction completely.
Diving Deep Into Research
With that clarity, Month 2 became all about learning. Late nights, endless coffee, and spreadsheets everywhere. I read books, listened to podcasts, and spent hours on BizBuySell.com, BusinessesForSale.com, and other listing sites.
We explored franchising options too, but after talking with owners and a neutral advisor, we realized buying an existing business felt like a better fit for us.
The Big “Aha” Decision
After weeks of research, the math became clear: We want an existing business with strong Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) — high enough that, after SBA loan payments, we’re still taking home more than my previous salary, with room to grow.
An existing business gives us immediate revenue, proven operations, and real customers from day one. That decision felt right in my gut.
Key Lessons from Month 2
- Involve your spouse or support system early — it turns fear into teamwork.
- Don’t rush into franchising without talking to a neutral expert first.
- Be patient with NDAs and CIMs — they’re worth it.
- Trust your instincts when something looks too good to be true.
- Start exploring financing options (ROBS + SBA) sooner rather than later.
You’re not alone. Whether you’re deep in research mode or standing at a crossroads — I see you.