Visiting a Business Owner Unannounced?

searcher profile

November 13, 2025

by a searcher from Lafayette College in Boston, MA, USA

Maybe a dumb question... but for those who’ve done unannounced drop-ins to introduce yourself to a specific business owner, what’s the right way to do it without causing a scene or coming across the wrong way? I’m thinking of situations where the owner is on-site, but employees and customers are around. How do you walk in respectfully, position yourself, and keep it low-key? What do you actually say, and what (if anything) do you leave behind? I’d love any tactical advice from people who’ve done this well (or learned what not to do)
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Reply by an intermediary
from Harvard University in Dallas, TX, USA
I agree. More likely to upset the owner than win points. A personal letter would be better to cut through the clutter of things they receive. One idea is to say that you are looking into their industry as a potential buyer of a business and would like to talk with them to get background, nothing specific, based on their long time in the business and success, etc.
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Reply by an intermediary
in Campbell, CA, USA
For a host of reasons, the answer is never. First off, it is disrespectful and rude, but it can also damage the business. All of our business listings are confidential for a reason.
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