Acquiring or merging with another organization can be a strenuous and complicated process, but there are ways to make things go more smoothly. Here are four best practices to follow when acquiring a company.

1. Set Achievable Goals

Setting goals can help you plan out the stages of acquisitions. You should set relatively small goals that all build on each other to help you reach your main goal of acquisition and merger. While you may be concerned that setting smaller goals will slow things down, they can actually help keep your employees and teams motivated. They can also assist in keeping your organization on track. If the situation changes or you need to pivot, it’s easier to do so with many bite-sized goals than it is with a few sprawling ones.

2. Provide Support for New Employees

In many cases, acquisitions come with an influx of employees. These people will have been through a series of transitions and changes over the course of the merger, which can often make people feel wrong-footed and out of their elements. You should ensure adequate support is provided for these employees as they make their transitions. Encourage them, find effective ways to positively motivate them and ensure they feel comfortable in the new setting.

3. Acquire Assets Strategically

You don’t want to make acquisitions you won’t use. You need to be strategic regarding the organization you’re considering acquiring and what benefits it will provide for your own organization. Think about the impact it will have on your organization as a whole, as well as for departments and teams. Consider how the new asset can help your company grow or improve its products and services. Have a plan in place to incorporate the new asset successfully and maximize its use to you.

4. Make Onboarding a Priority

Not only do you need to support new employees after a transition, but you also need to ensure they know how things work at your organization. You should make sure your organization absorbs the best aspects of the acquisition’s company culture, standards, tools and workflows while also helping new employees understand those aspects of their new workplace. This will help make the integration of your two company cultures happen more quickly and efficiently.

When you acquire an organization, it’s essential that you ensure the merger process is as smooth as possible. This will make the transition easier on your employees and departments, as well as on the employees and departments of your acquisition.