How soon after close is too soon to travel?

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February 18, 2024

by a searcher from The University of Chicago - Booth School of Business in Chicago, IL, USA

Hello All,

I’m getting close to closing on a business I’ve been pursuing for a while. There is a conference coming up in Europe where the ROI on flying out there and attending seems to be quite good, particularly in light of what I can learn, networking in an industry I’m new to, meeting some of the company’s European distributors, and preparing for next year, when I think it’s likely the company would exhibit at the conference. However, it’s happening a little over a month after close, which is after the main “transition” period with the seller around regularly but is obviously still not long after close. The team in place can easily handle the day-to-day over what would be a weeklong trip, but I’m wondering if it’s too soon to spend a week away from the business (still available on Zoom, etc. but of course that’s not the same as being there in person). Any thoughts appreciated. For what it’s worth, I met the team a few months ago and they know the sale is coming, so closing won’t be an out of the blue situation.

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Reply by a searcher
from University of Pennsylvania in Jersey City, NJ, USA
Seems pretty dependent on the personalities you are dealing with. Sounds like you believe the management team is well-positioned to deal with your absence. The questions (that you're probably asking yourself) worth asking (very specific to the individuals you are dealing with)

a) What will your narrative be for leaving for a week and if you were in the management team's shoes, how would they react?
b) Similar question related to the seller (assuming they have influence on the management team)
c) What are the specific goals of going out to the conference and what tangible result can you hold yourself to (that you can report back on)

Maybe thinking of the questions above in the context of the culture you are building will be helpful
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Reply by an intermediary
from California State University, San Bernardino in Stratton, CO 80836, USA
You might look from your new employees point of view. They don't really know you or trust you. This takes time to create loyalty and trust. They are going to test you or find their security somewhere else. Think of yourself like the new coach coming in. They want to know you are going to be there for them and provide opportunity for their success. Then they will care for yours. Employees will all tell you they are good, but they are all nervous about the job security they once thought they had. Your best performers, if they perceive anything contrary to their future success, will be the first to leave because they can. Anyway just thoughts to ponder.
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