Tips or scripts for pitching?

May 01, 2025

by a searcher from University of Texas in Austin, TX, USA

Hey everyone! I'm curious—how do those of you doing a geo-focused but industry-agnostic self-funded search usually pitch what you're doing when talking to potential referral partners or local contacts? I’ve found it a bit tricky to explain clearly, especially when people ask, “So what kind of industry are you targeting?” Since I’m open to various industries but limited to a specific area, I want to make sure I leave a strong impression so they actually remember and refer businesses my way. Would love to hear if anyone has tips or scripts that worked well for them! 👀

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Reply by a searcher
from East Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN, USA

HOT TAKE: In my experience, the more specific your search thesis, the easier everything gets—deal flow, investor interest, even seller trust. Being industry-agnostic sounds flexible, but it often just makes you forgettable.

Reply by a searcher
from Ludwig in München, Deutschland

I fully agree with the other posts that you should clearly define your focus areas. A searcher who is unable to articulate their competence profile and the corresponding industries will have a low probability of success. Regarding your priorities, you should clearly explain your decision to prioritize location over industry. This explanation should go beyond "due to family reasons," as that may give the impression that you're not fully committed to the company and its investor returns (e.g., unwilling to relocate). In my experience, sellers (even more than investors) place high value on industry know-how, and your initial conversation is essentially a job interview. Researching multiple industries will consume a significant amount of time. I believe your pitch can only succeed if you already have a strong network of sellers and investors who trust you. If not, you shouldn't just consider rethinking your pitch — you should reconsider your entire decision. If you choose not to follow that advice, you might consider communicating a phased geographic approach (e.g., "I will start in San Francisco due to my existing network there and later expand across the US"). This approach adds immediate value to your search and, realistically, reflects what you'll likely do anyway if you don't find targets in your initial area. And if you do find something there, no one will question why you didn’t expand your geographic focus.

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