Deal flow is the most important thing when you're a dealmaker.
Getting inbounds is the holy grail.
Generating inbounds is extremely difficult.
For an independent sponsor to earn inbounds from brokers, bankers, business owners, and other intermediaries, here's a non-exhaustive list of things you can do:
• Build a brand. Be top of mind. Form an identity. Have integrity.
• Expertise & authority. If people reach out to you with opportunities because you're great at something, then that's really powerful. This can be related to industry (healthcare, industrials, etc.), situations (distress, carveouts, etc.), or other.
• Content marketing. Be visible. Remind people indirectly.
Note: Many PE groups have very successful OUTBOUND deal flow engines, which is of course totally fine and arguably even more sustainable as a business model & moat.
