Ep 22: Proprietary Search - Finding deals before they hit the market
Description
In this episode of 7 Minute Takeover, Elizabeth MacRae and Eamonn Gamble unpack the strategy of proprietary search—direct outreach to business owners who aren’t officially selling their companies.
They explore why some buyers pursue this path, weighing the pros—like less competition, better terms, and stronger seller relationships—against the cons, such as guiding unadvised owners through a slow and uncertain process. Elizabeth breaks down two key approaches:
Mass outreach campaigns that play the numbers game
Targeted, researched outreach designed to connect with high-fit businesses
They also explain how your resources—time versus money—should guide whether you manage the process yourself or outsource.
Key insights include:
Why proprietary search can unlock unique acquisition opportunities
The trade-offs between broad outreach and targeted strategies
How resource availability shapes your approach
Why this path may be challenging for first-time buyers
When outsourcing sourcing makes the most sense
If you’re serious about buying a business, this episode gives you a clear, practical look at proprietary search—helping you decide if it’s the right path for your acquisition strategy.
United States
