I often see advice to "reach out to local business brokers and build relationships."

Coming from the real estate industry, I understand the buyer agent model, and I know that I personally don't want to send great off-market opportunities to buyers who won't commit to working with me. Those go to my committed, loyal customers.

How is the business broker world different? Do you just email them your criteria and say, "Keep me in mind"? Does that work?

I know I'll be much more effective creating deal flow for myself so I'd rather maintain the independence. That said, I know brokers will be out there organically getting deals, too, and I don't want to wait til they hit bizbuysell to see them.

Do you have any experience insights on how to work with brokers and motivate them to send you deals... without putting a ring on it?

For reference. I am in Nebraska, and there are only 20 or so brokers, so it's a small market.