The Handwritten Card Strategy: How Do I Find a Small Business to Buy?

Here’s a mind-blowing stat:

Over 10 million small business owners in the US are expected to retire by 2030.

That’s right – the “Silver Tsunami” is coming. And it represents the largest transfer of business wealth in history.

But here’s the thing:

Everyone knows this. Private equity firms, search funds, and independent buyers are ALL competing for these businesses.

And when you have a lot of competitors, you have to think outside the box. And that “outside box” is handwritten cards.

The best part? Almost nobody is doing this.

The Problem With Traditional Business Acquisition Outreach

If you’re looking to buy businesses, you’ve probably tried:

• Cold emails (2-3% response rate)
• LinkedIn messages (5-7% response rate)
• Broker networks (competing against everyone)

But here’s what most people don’t realize:

Business owners in their 60s and 70s didn’t grow up with LinkedIn. Many barely check their email.

And they’re getting BOMBARDED with generic messages from buyers.

This is where Robotic Handwritten Cards comes in.

Why Handwritten Cards Work (Backed by Data)

First, some context:

We tested this approach with 100 business owners in the manufacturing industry. The results?

• 31% response rate
• 12% meeting rate
• 2 deals closed

Compare that to the 2-3% response rate from cold emails.

But why does it work so well?

Three reasons:

1. Pattern Interrupt: Business owners receive 100+ emails daily but only 1-2 personal cards per YEAR
2. Trust Signal: A handwritten note shows genuine interest and effort (even if you hired a handwriting company to do it.)
3. Demographic Match: Older business owners appreciate traditional communication methods

The Exact System We Used (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the exact process:

Step 1: Research & Targeting

Create a list of businesses matching your criteria. An example:

• Owner age 60+
• Revenue $2-20M
• Profitable
• Employee Count: 10-50
• Years in business: 15+
• Positive online reviews/reputation
• Stable and growing industry
• No obvious successor as indicated by website or Linkedin profiles

PRO TIP: Start with the industries you’re targeting and hire a virtual assistance to sift over the data.

Step 2: Card Selection

Don’t just grab any card. We found these elements work best:

• High-quality paper stock (minimum 120lb)
• Professional, simple design
• Your business logo subtly placed on the back
• Contact information

Step 3: The Perfect Message

Here’s a handwritten message template that got the best results:

Dear [First Name],

I wanted to reach out personally about [Company Name]. Your reputation for [specific detail about their business] caught my attention. I’m looking to acquire and grow a business in the [industry] space, bringing my experience in [relevant background]. Would you be open to a conversation about [Company Name]’s future?

Best regards,
[Your name]
[Phone number]

Key elements:

• Personal but professional
• Specific detail shows research
• Clear intention
• Easy response mechanism

Step 4: Follow-Up System

Don’t just send the card and hope. Here is an effective follow up sequence:

1. Send handwritten card
2. Wait 10 days (assuming it takes 2-3 days to arrive, they’ll have sat on your note for at least a week)
3. Follow up with phone call
4. If no answer, send one email referencing the card
5. If no answer to your email, continue to passively nurture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Generic Messages: Not including specific details about their business that shows you did your homework.
2. Poor Timing: Don’t send during their busiest season and time your letter drop-off so it will land in the mailbox between Wednesday-Friday.
3. Weak Call to Action: Not including your phone number or email

Next Steps

The “Silver Tsunami” represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. But standing out is crucial.

Implement this strategy now while it’s still underutilized. Remember:

• Be genuine
• Do your research
• Follow the system
• Stay consistent

Bottom Line: While others fight over email inboxes, you’ll be reaching decision-makers through a channel they actually pay attention to: handwritten cards.

If you use a robot handwriting company like Ghosthandwriter, we can help you with all elements of your business acquisition campaign.

This includes sourcing the list, narrowing down the results, sourcing the card and design, creating messaging, and guiding you through a follow up sequence. Ready to stand out among other buyers? Book a call and let’s discuss your acquisition goals.