Why Most Self-Funded Searchers Get Proprietary Outreach Wrong (And What to Do About It)

With the rise of powerful sales tools, scraping bots, and AI assistants like ChatGPT, it’s easier than ever for Searchers to generate lists of potential targets for their proprietary outreach. But from working directly with numerous self-funded Searchers on their cold outreach approach, I've seen that easier doesn’t always mean better.

In fact, many Searchers hit a wall right after this step.

Common Issues with DIY Lead Lists:

• Generic data not built for acquisitions: Most data platforms are built for sales

  prospecting, and not from an acquisition criteria point of view.

• Misleading industry tags: Often inaccurate (e.g.- supplier instead of contractor)

• Lack of owner-specific signals: Consider Home Services and Family run businesses, there’s often no clear data on whether it’s owner-operated or franchise-based.

• Outdated information: Some scraped companies no longer exist or are inactive, which hurts your outreach efforts.

• Unclear Differentiation in Criteria: Independent vs Franchise, PE backed vs Owner operated.

Why This Matters: Quality Beats Quantity

For a self-funded searcher scrapping data makes sense (e.g.- Phantombuster, Outscraper). But what you end up with is quantity over quality. These issues typically cause three key problems when running proprietary outreach:

• High bounce rates

• Emails going straight to spam

• Wasted time chasing businesses that don’t fit your acquisition criteria.

My Process: Curated Targeting for Searchers

As a B2B Lead Generation professional, I’ve always believed that the a proprietary outreach strategy must be built on top of a clean, tailored list.

For my Searcher clients, I go beyond scraping. I combine data tools with manual, first-principles research to build a list of companies that:

• Fit your acquisition criteria

• Are likely to be owner-operated or family-run

• Are still active and reachable

• Exactly align with the unique acquisition goals of self-funded searchers.

The result? More meaningful conversations and fewer wasted emails.

 Rethinking cold Outreach:

 Remember, what worked a few years ago won’t work today. Here are few tips that need to be looked at before you start with your outreach:

·  Avoid spray-and-pray outreach: Generic templates get ignored. Owners can tell.

·  Show that you care about their business: Your interest should go beyond EBITDA and revenue.

·  Understand their values: Research the owner’s story, goals, and legacy—then tailor your message accordingly.

A clearly defined lead list + Thoughtful Outreach = Conversations that actually matter

As a searcher if you’ve already tried proprietary outreach and didn’t get the traction you expected, Was it really the message… or was it the list?