Today I’m going to show you how PE firms are using an unconventional outreach strategy to land more deals.
In fact, this exact approach helped one mid-market PE firm increase their deal flow by 83% in just 6 months.
The best part? This strategy works whether you’re a small search fund or a massive PE firm.
The Problem With Traditional Deal Sourcing
Let’s face it:
Deal sourcing is getting harder every year.
- Competition is at an all-time high
- Business owners are bombarded with generic emails
- Traditional mailers get tossed in the trash
In fact, a recent study by Preqin found that 89% of PE firms consider deal sourcing their biggest challenge.
That’s why smart investors are turning to this unconventional approach…
Enter: The Robotic Handwritten Cards Strategy
Here’s the deal:
Robotic handwriting services use advanced pen-wielding robots to create authentic-looking handwritten cards at scale.
Why does this matter for PE firms?
Because it combines two powerful psychological triggers:
- The personal touch of handwritten communication
- The ability to reach hundreds of potential sellers systematically
Here’s how we’ve implemented this strategy with clients.
Step #1: Build A Target List
We start with the goal in mind. Or in most cases, the industry vertical in mind.
Using a virtual assistant, we create a clean, hyper-targeted list of businesses that match your investment criteria.
Pro Tip: Focus on businesses that are:
- Within your preferred revenue range
- In industries you understand
- Owner-operated for 20+ years (signals potential retirement)
Step #2: Craft Your Message
This is crucial:
Your card needs to be personal, not salesy.
Here’s a template that works well because we combine flattery with genuine admiration:
Dear <Owner>,
I’ve been following <Company Name>’s growth in <industry> for some time now. The way you’ve <specific achievement> has really caught my attention. I’d love to grab coffee (or jump on a Zoom call) to learn more about your journey in building the business.
<Your name>
P.S. I particularly admired how you <very specific detail about their business>.
Step #3: Choose Your Service Provider
Not all robotic handwriting companies are created equal.
Look for providers that offer:
- Multiple handwriting styles (we have 25 fonts!)
- High-quality paper options
- Variable writing pressure
- Actual ink (not digital printing)
Step #4: Implement Follow-Up Systems
Here’s something crazy:
76% of business owners respond after the second or third touch.
Create a follow-up sequence:
- Initial handwritten card
- LinkedIn connection (7 days later)
- Second card referencing first (21 days later)
- Phone call (14 days later)
Real-World Case Study
A boutique PE firm in the Midwest tested this strategy with 500 target companies:
- 32% response rate (vs. 3% with emails)
- 15% meeting rate
- 2 closed deals within 8 months
Their cost per acquisition? 91% lower than using traditional investment bankers and certainly cheaper than business brokers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t make these rookie errors:
❌ Using generic messages
❌ Sending cards to gatekeepers
❌ Forgetting to include a clear call-to-action
❌ Not personalizing enough
Instead, do this:
✅ Research each business thoroughly
✅ Include highly specific details
✅ Make it about them, not you
✅ Follow up systematically
The Bottom Line
The robotic handwritten card strategy isn’t just another marketing tactic.
It’s a systematic approach to stand out in a crowded market and build genuine connections with business owners.
Remember: Success in PE isn’t just about having capital – it’s about getting access to the best deals first.
If you’re a PE firm or investor interested in trying out handwritten cards, we’d love to chat more and hear about your goals.