Best practices when trying to find out if a business owner is interested

searcher profile

August 15, 2020

by a searcher from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in San Francisco, CA, USA

My current search methodology involves reaching out to targeted owners of businesses that I am interested in acquiring and reaching out to them through a email. This has been working ok so far, I do get responses back and end up talking to a few of them, however, I always question when the topic of a sale should be brought up.

Curious as to what others here do in case you are cold-emailing prospects. Do you ask to setup some time for a call or mention that you are interested in acquiring right away.

I acquired a micro SaaS company earlier this year by cold reaching out, the owners were looking to sell so it worked out well and it has given me excellent returns. So hoping to replicate this.

0
7
133
Replies
7
commentor profile
Reply by a searcher
from Arizona State University in Phoenix, AZ, USA
It sounds like you already have great instincts! When you are explaining the reason you are contacting them and they do want to speak with you, that already does indicate an initial level of interest. So if they’re willing to hear you out, I’d start by asking them what their exit strategy goals are and that can naturally steer the conversation towards acquiring their as an option.
commentor profile
Reply by a searcher
from New York University in New York, NY, USA
It can be hard to judge whether a business owner is really interested in selling, or if they are looking for some free consulting. Be careful when a business owner calls you back with a lot of questions about how you would plan to improve the business.
commentor profile
+5 more replies.
Join the discussion