The Quiet Gap before LOI

Alignment is a milestone. Execution is a commitment

You spend weeks (or months) getting to alignment—circling terms, building trust, walking through the business, and imagining a future together. The owner says “Yes, I’d like you to buy it.” And for a brief moment, everything is quiet.

But the deal isn’t done. Not even close.

That period between agreeing in principle and actually signing the LOI is its own unique space. It’s hopeful and delicate. Everyone’s leaning in—but no one’s locked in. One wrong word, one new doubt, or one competing buyer can shift the entire dynamic.

So what do you do? Not press, not posture, just prepare more.

It’s about clarifying open items, tightening documents, and making sure everyone still feels good about what they shook hands on. It’s about giving the seller confidence that you’re real, ready, and respectful of what they’ve built. And sometimes, it’s about waiting—patiently, professionally—while they talk to advisors, sleep on it, or simply take the time they need.

I’ve learned that this in-between moment is part of the work. It’s not downtime—it’s preparation. Once that LOI is signed, the clock starts ticking. So I use this window to align my team, prep the diligence runway, and be fully ready to move.

Because when the document does come through—and it will—you don’t want to be scrambling. You want to be ready to go.

Want to Connect?
📧 Email: holdings@sidebright.com
📅 Schedule a call or coffee: Calendly
🔗 Website: sidebright.com/holdings
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ericpizzi
📞 Or just give me a call.

Related Resources
▶️ Watch: “How to Manage Seller Psychology” – Acquiring Minds Live Panel (2023)
🎙️ Listen: “Staying in the Deal” – Acquiring Minds, Ep. 64 (Greg Hirshman Interview)
📄 Read: “Before the LOI: Lining Up the Right Deal” – Searchfunder Digest (2024)