Why Deal Experience Matters

Searching for a business to buy is a bold move—but it can also be intimidating. Especially if you’ve never run a deal before.

Most first-time buyers quickly realize that deal experience opens doors. It gives you credibility with sellers, helps you ask better questions, and keeps your search efficient and focused.

But here’s the challenge: how do you build deal experience while you’re still searching?

The answer? You don’t have to wait until you buy a business to start learning. You can get experience, build confidence, and make money all at the same time.

Here’s how to build deal experience while searching for a business—with practical, founder-friendly strategies that work.

1. Work on Real Deals for Other Founders

One of the fastest ways to build M&A experience is to support someone else’s exit.

Founders are constantly looking for help with:

  • Valuation

  • Deal structuring

  • Prospectus writing

  • Buyer outreach

  • Diligence prep

If you already have business experience or a strategic mindset, you’re a valuable asset—even if you haven’t closed a deal yet.

With the Merge license, you can step into this world right away. Our platform gives you the tools, templates, and training to confidently guide founders through their exit—while building real deal experience along the way.

2. Launch an M&A Advisory Business

Helping others sell their companies is one of the best ways to learn how acquisitions work.

You’ll gain experience in:

  • Valuation modeling

  • Prospecting and outreach

  • Managing calls with buyers

  • Reviewing LOIs and legal docs

  • Negotiating closing terms

The best part? You can do it all without starting from scratch. The Merge license equips you with everything you need:

  • CRM, templates, and SOPs

  • Access to a buyer network

  • Ongoing support and training

  • Full control of your brand and strategy

You’ll earn while you learn—and you’ll stay plugged into the world of deals.

3. Join a Deal Team as a Contractor

Private equity firms, independent sponsors, and search funds often hire support on a project basis. That could mean:

  • Reviewing CIMs (confidential information memorandums)

  • Analyzing P&Ls and projections

  • Helping prepare investment memos

  • Building deal flow lists or doing outreach

It’s a great way to get inside the process and see how more experienced dealmakers evaluate opportunities.

You can find these roles through:

  • LinkedIn

  • Search fund forums

  • Private equity job boards

  • M&A-focused Slack groups

4. Run a Buy-Side Search for Another Buyer

Don’t want to start your own advisory firm? No problem. You can run a targeted search for someone else.

Buyers will often pay a monthly retainer or success fee for qualified deal flow. You’ll learn how to:

  • Build sourcing lists

  • Manage outreach

  • Conduct intro calls

  • Qualify opportunities

This is especially effective if you’re familiar with a specific vertical—like SaaS, creative agencies, or healthcare services.

Merge’s buyer ecosystem gives licensees exposure to these kinds of relationships, making it even easier to connect with the right people.

5. Shadow or Partner With an Experienced Advisor

Not ready to lead your own deals yet? Shadowing an experienced M&A advisor can help you learn the ropes without the pressure of managing a full process.

Reach out to:

  • Business brokers

  • Investment bankers

  • Independent advisors

  • Other Merge licensees

Offer to help with outreach, prep work, or admin in exchange for deal insight. Many advisors are happy to mentor someone who’s serious and proactive.

6. Take On Project-Based Roles

Many founders need help preparing for a future sale—even if they’re not ready to list today.

That might include:

  • Cleaning up financials

  • Organizing documents for diligence

  • Building SOPs and systems

  • Writing executive summaries

These small wins give you exposure to what makes a company “exit ready” and help build trust with founders you may want to buy from down the road.

7. Host Buyer or Founder Interviews

Want to get smarter fast? Start interviewing buyers, sellers, and advisors.

  • Launch a simple podcast or YouTube channel

  • Post deal takeaways on LinkedIn

  • Host webinars with M&A experts

  • Share insights in newsletters

You’ll build visibility, deepen your knowledge, and create relationships that can turn into future opportunities.

Why Merge Makes It Easier

At Merge, we help future buyers build experience, credibility, and income—before they even close a deal.

Our licensing platform gives you:

✅ A full M&A toolset (CRM, templates, valuation model, outreach sequences)
✅ Training and SOPs to hit the ground running
✅ A built-in buyer ecosystem and Slack community
✅ Flexibility to earn, learn, and search on your own terms

You’ll keep 75%+ of revenue from any deals you help run—and you’ll build a real business that stays valuable even after your acquisition is complete.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to wait until you’ve bought a business to gain deal experience. In fact, the smartest searchers don’t wait—they build it as they go.

Whether you advise founders, support other buyers, or launch your own M&A practice, there are countless ways to learn while staying active, helpful, and credible.

With Merge, you can start immediately—with a proven platform, real support, and a community that’s rooting for you.

Ready to Learn By Doing?

If you’re serious about buying a business, Merge helps you earn, grow, and build confidence along the way.

👉 Explore the Merge License
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