There are two approaches to due diligence.
One approach is to create a giant checklist.
Previous job.
First job.
In between jobs.
Employee agreements.
Shareholder agreements.
Intellectual property agreements.
Meeting minutes.
Audited financial stagements.
Salary statements.
Purchase orders.
Dinner receipts.
Taxi receipts.
Grocery receipts.
Graduation certificates.
Club certificates.
Birth certificates.
That’s just page 1 of 99.
The other approach is to go see.
In person.
Explore the environment.
Observe the products and services.
Spend time with the people.
Meet other people who know them.
Ask simple questions.
Listen.
Watch.
Feel.
One approach adds complexity. The other approach brings clarity.
Tytus Michalski