The Napkin

I admired a man who made deals on a napkin. The napkin has been an iconic representation of ideas and deals for a long time. From simple doodles to business deals, it has been used as a tool to write down agreements, develop ideas, and to store information.

There is a lot of consolidation going on today within our industry. Many looking to grow, and many looking to sell or retire. When you sit with a potential buyer or seller, don’t forget the napkin (or a sheet of paper), so you can collect thoughts and ideas and share numbers. Deals written on a napkin remain an iconic symbol of business transactions.

Many agreements start out as unstructured ideas and offers that are tossed out as “what ifs.” Sometimes writing on the napkin signifies you are listening and thinking. Sometimes ideas or deals get clearer. Use as many as you need. Set them up like trading cards so you can clearly see the evolution of the idea or deal.

Today I use an app that helps secure ideas for me, but if I had the choice, there is nothing better than writing down, with a pen, your deals or ideas on a napkin.