How to Win Deals Over Private Equity (Even if They Pay 10-20% More)
How to Win Deals Over Private Equity (Even if They Pay 10-20% More)  
Podcast: Buyers and Builders
Published On: Wed Nov 12 2025
Description: One of the most underrated skills in business acquisitions. Beyond financial models and deal structures, many great acquisitions happen because buyers know how to connect with sellers on a human level.#BusinessAcquisitions #DueDiligence #MergersAndAcquisitions #HoldCoBuilders#ListeningSkills #DealMaking #EntrepreneurshipThroughAcquisition #PrivateEquity #BusinessBuying #SMBacquisitionTIMESTAMPS0:00 The overlooked M&A superpower4:55 Warren Buffett & Mrs. B: a deal built on trust8:04 Shopify lesson: empathy that wins founders11:54 David Cote at Honeywell: listening as diagnostic precision15:47 How to practice it: questions, plant walks, and strategic silence