Recap from the Orange County ETA Meetup Last Night

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December 07, 2025

by a searcher from California State University, Northridge in Irvine, CA, USA

Grateful for those who had the opportunity to come by the Orange County ETA Meetup last night. We had about 8 searchers who came by with various backgrounds, but a lot in common! Great to grab some food and chat search. We connected on various topics: 1. Part-time or full-time search? For those part time, how's that experience going? And for those full-time - what's it like? There were a mix of part and full-time searchers. 2. What are some creative ways you've gone about connecting with owners? Quality versus quantity of outreach was discussed and we tend to lean towards a more personal and high-quality connection with owners over the "spray and pray" method. 3. What's everyone's background? We all came from different professions, yet all had in common the same goal to buy a business. 4. Who would you like to come to the next meetup? I particularly liked one searcher's response: "Well, I'd like to have someone at the next meetup who wants to sell me their business!" Very real answer! We thought it would be funny to have a meetup where an owner could auction off their business to us. Interesting concept. I surveyed the group and asked if they had to choose between a few different speakers to join the next time we meet. (a) an operator (b) exited operator (c) investor (d) business broker We decided that all of the above would be exceptional, but perhaps it could be a great opportunity to start by learning from a business broker who has helped out searchers and has a few closed deals under their belt. Please reach out if you match that description and you'd like to be a sort of "featured guest" at our next meetup. We will be organizing more meetups in the future. Stay tuned. Grateful for Luke Tatone organizing this exceptional, niche community all in one site!
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Reply by a searcher
from University of Cambridge in Los Angeles, CA, USA
Wasn't able to make it last night but appreciate the recap. These are a list of great ideas.
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Reply by a searcher
from University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA, USA
I'm in for the next event!
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