Prospecting on FB Groups
Finding Facebook Groups for Businesses For Sale: A Guide for Brokers
Facebook Groups can be a goldmine for business brokers looking to find “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) listings. These groups are often where business owners looking to sell connect with potential buyers directly, without the involvement of brokers. However, the key to success is knowing what to search for and how to engage with business owners in a professional and non-intrusive way.
What to Search For:
When searching for Facebook Groups focused on businesses for sale, here are some keyword ideas to get you started:
Businesses for Sale by Owner
Buy/Sell Businesses
Business Sales & Acquisitions
Main Street Businesses for Sale
Business Owners Looking to Sell
Buy a Business
Sell Your Business
Business for Sale Groups
Local Business Sales
Entrepreneurs Looking to Exit
You can combine these keywords with your location or niche (e.g., “Restaurants for Sale” or “Retail Business for Sale”) to find hyper-targeted groups specific to your area or industry. These groups often feature posts from business owners hoping to sell without the help of brokers or those seeking potential buyers.
How to Prospect in Facebook Groups:
Once you’ve joined the right Facebook Groups, you’ll want to start prospecting, but it’s important to be cautious. Directly commenting on posts or asking too many questions can make you come across as overly aggressive or just a "tire kicker." Instead, follow this approach:
DO NOT comment directly on the post.
Commenting on a post can make you seem like just another curious person in the group. Instead, position yourself as a serious business broker who can offer real value.
DO send a Direct Message (DM).
Once you spot a business listed for sale, reach out to the owner privately through a direct message. The best way to approach this is by using the INSPIRE Cold Messaging System. This system ensures a professional, respectful approach to starting the conversation.
Using the INSPIRE Cold Messaging System in DMs:
When sending a DM, follow the steps below to keep the conversation professional and focused on the seller’s needs.
Step 1: INITIATE Start with a simple message to gauge if the person is the owner or a broker: “Hi, I saw your business listing and was wondering if you’re the owner selling, or a business broker?”
Step 2: NAVIGATE (Find a Timeline) If the seller responds positively, introduce yourself and ask about their timeline: “Great! My name is [Your Name], and I saw your business and thought it was really interesting. Have you had many people reach out about it?”
Step 3: SHARE VISION (Understand Their Goals) Now that you’ve made contact, show genuine interest in their goals: “I specialize in selling Main Street businesses like yours, and we have buyers looking for businesses just like yours. When do you need to have it sold by?”
Step 4: PROVIDE VALUE Offer your expertise and ask a value-driven question: “Where did you come up with the asking price for the business? Have you had an evaluation done?”
Step 5: INSTILL CONFIDENCE Position yourself as an expert who can help them sell their business at the best price: “Businesses with an evaluation tend to sell faster and for more money. We offer free evaluations to make the process smoother and more profitable.”
Step 6: REASSURE (Close) Offer to meet in person to get more details about the business: “I’m confident I can help you sell your business, but I need to see it in person first. What’s a good time for me to come by and take a look?”
Step 7: SET THE APPOINTMENT Schedule the appointment and send a calendar invite. Make sure to follow up with a reminder the day before or morning of the meeting.
Why the DM Approach Works:
Private and Personal: A direct message shows that you're serious about the conversation and helps avoid the noise of public group posts.
Tailored Approach: You can customize your message to fit the specific business and seller, showing you've put in the effort to understand their situation.
Professional: Using a DM shows you're a professional business broker, which sets you apart from others who might just be commenting in the group.
Direct Engagement: By messaging directly, you're engaging with the seller and fostering a stronger connection faster than just commenting publicly.
Final Thoughts:
Facebook Groups can be a powerful resource for business brokers to find FSBO listings. By using the right search terms, avoiding public group comments, and leveraging the INSPIRE Cold Messaging System, you can build valuable connections with business owners and convert these leads into successful listings.
Start using these strategies today to enhance your prospecting efforts and position yourself as a trusted professional in the business brokerage field!
