Connecting with business owners can open doors to new opportunities, whether you’re pitching a product, exploring partnerships, or simply building your network.
But reaching the right person at the right time requires more than just a quick Google search — it’s about strategy, tools, and knowing what works.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most effective ways to contact business owners, share tools to streamline the process, and provide actionable tips to make your outreach stand out.
Tools to help you find business owner contact information
1. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the best platform to find and contact business owners. Use the search filters to narrow down by industry, location, or job title.
Once you’ve identified the person, check their “Contact Info” section for direct email or phone details.
2. Company websites
Start with the company’s “About Us” or “Contact Us” page. Small businesses, in particular, are more likely to list the owner’s direct contact information.
What to do if details aren’t listed:
- Check for press releases or blog posts that might include their email.
- Use the general contact form to introduce yourself and request to be forwarded to the owner.
3. Prospecting Tools
Tools like Apollo.io, Hunter.io, and ZoomInfo are invaluable for finding verified contact information. They allow you to filter by role, industry, or location and export lists for outreach.
Methods to contact business owners
1. Email
Email is still the most effective channel for professional outreach.
Tips for crafting the perfect email:
- Personalize: Reference their business, achievements, or pain points.
- Be concise: Keep your email under 200 words.
- Focus on value: Explain what’s in it for them.
Example to copy and paste:
Subject: Helping [Business Name] [achieve specific goal]
Hi [First Name],
I noticed [specific detail about their business]. At [Your Company], we specialize in [specific solution]. I’d love to show you how we can help [specific benefit].
Would you be open to a quick call next week?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
2. Phone Calls
For urgent or high-value opportunities, calling can be a more direct approach.
Here’s how to make it work:
- Research the business to understand its needs.
- Be clear about why you’re calling and how it benefits them.
- Respect their time by keeping the conversation short and to the point.
CEOs and business owners are busy. To keep them on the line, lead with how your product or service can solve a problem or add value. For example:
Example to copy and paste:
We’ve helped businesses like yours reduce [specific pain point] by [specific metric or result]. I’d love to explore if we can do the same for you.
Be prepared for objections. If they say they’re too busy, you can respond with:
Example to copy and paste:
I completely understand. How about I send over a quick email with more details for you to review when you have time?
You’ll leave a strong impression by demonstrating professionalism, preparation, and respect for their time — even if the call doesn’t immediately result in a deal.
3. Networking events and industry groups
Meeting business owners in person at events or online in professional groups can create stronger connections.
Where to look:
- Local chambers of commerce.
- Industry-specific associations.
- Online communities like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit forums.
Our team recently attended Web Summit, and we didn’t just sit through the talks – we made it a point to engage.
After a panel on scaling strategies, we introduced ourselves to the speakers and a few attendees, referencing specific insights from the discussion.
Following up with personalized emails tied to those takeaways grabbed their attention and started conversations that led to real opportunities.
What to Say When Reaching Out
Your opening message matters.
Cold outreach message
Example to copy and paste for cold outreach:
Subject: A quick idea for [specific challenge]
Hi [Name],
I’ve been following [specific business or industry trend], and your work at [Company Name] really stands out – especially [specific project or achievement].
I’ve got a quick idea for how [specific product/service] could help [specific benefit, e.g., “streamline your operations” or “boost ROI”]. It’s worked for [similar company or relevant example], and I’d love to see if it’s a fit for you, too.
Would you be open to a quick 15-minute chat this week?
Warm Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company Signature]
Follow-up message
Example to copy and paste for follow-ups:
Subject: Circling back on [specific topic]
Hi [Name],
I wanted to follow up on my last email about [specific topic]. I’m sure your inbox is packed, so I completely understand if it got buried.
If [specific benefit, e.g., “reducing costs by X%”] is still on your radar, I’d love to share a bit more about how we’ve helped [specific example or similar company].
Let me know if you’d like to schedule a quick chat or if there’s someone else on your team with whom I should connect!
Best,
[Your Name]
Networking message
Example to copy and paste for networking:
Subject: Inspired by your work in [specific group/industry]
Hi [Name],
I noticed your post/comment in [specific group or event, e.g., “LinkedIn group for FinTech leaders”], and it really resonated with me – especially your perspective on [specific insight they shared].
As someone who’s also passionate about [shared interest or topic], I’d love to connect and hear more about how you’re driving impact at [Company Name].
If you’re open, I’d be happy to share a bit about my work, too. Looking forward to connecting!
Cheers,
[Your Name]
Dos and don’ts of contacting business owners
Dos | Don’ts |
Research their business thoroughly before reaching out | Spam them with follow-ups. Two or three is enough |
Personalize every message – avoid generic templates | Oversell your product or service without understanding their needs |
Offer value upfront to grab their attention | Reach out at odd hours – respect their schedule |
Connecting with business owners takes more than just finding their contact info – it’s about making your outreach count.
Try these tips, see what works, and let us know your results in the comments!
Commonly asked questions
What is the best platform to find and contact business owners?
LinkedIn is the most effective platform for finding and connecting with business owners. Use search filters to narrow down by industry, location, or job title. Tools like Wiza can help extract and verify email addresses from LinkedIn profiles if direct contact details aren’t visible.
What should I do if I can’t find a business owner’s contact information on their website?
Check for press releases or blog posts that may include their email. Alternatively, use the general contact form to introduce yourself and request to be forwarded to the business owner.
What are the most effective methods for contacting business owners?
Email is the most effective method, especially when personalized and concise. Phone calls can be a direct approach for urgent or high-value opportunities. Networking at industry events or through professional groups is also highly effective for building connections.
How can I ensure my outreach stands out to a business owner?
Research the business thoroughly and personalize your message to address their needs or achievements. Keep your outreach concise, focus on value, and avoid generic templates.
