How to Generate Leads for a Direct Sales Business

You have a product to sell and now need customers to buy it. This is a common situation in today's direct marketing game. Successful sales people know that generating leads is the key to prosperity. However, knowing how to go about getting those leads is another story. The reality is it just takes a little creative thinking and a lot of perseverance.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• In-house customer list
• Doorknob hangers
• Professional sales lead list

1. Start by utilizing one of the most economical and targeted methods of selling. Create your own in-house customer list. Every time you sell your product or service, add the buyer's name and contact information to your list. You will soon have an entire database comprised of your target audience. Then periodically send them a promotional post card so they'll remember you when they are in need of your product again.

2. Purchase a list of sales leads from a database marketer. There are many reputable companies that provide this service, and you can instantly generate a list using the web. By sorting your leads with criteria such as age range, lifestyle and income, you can really zero in on the target audience you want.

3. Prepare a marketing piece in the form of a door hanger and target new home subdivisions in your area. There are always new people moving into your community, and hanging an ad on the doorknob of a new home owner is a great way to let them know about your business. There are many printers that offer these forms of advertising online, and some even have user friendly templates to help you design your piece in just minutes.

4. Become active in local civic organizations like Rotary Clubs and Chambers of Commerce. There may be annual fees to join, but the ability to network to a large audience will more than justify the cost.

5. Participate in trade shows whenever possible. Setting up a booth at a trade show allows you to showcase your product to hundreds or possibly thousands of people in a day. Be sure to offer some type of drawing for a door prize so that as people register, using their names and addresses, you can continue to generate leads for your in-house list.

6. Partner with other businesses in your area that sell products or services that compliment your business, and agree to exchange sales leads with them. You will benefit by getting a free sales lead, and the customer will also benefit by being provided a resource for something they wanted.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't underestimate the value of networking. Though it may appear at the time a particular conversation was of little value, there will come a time when that person needs your product and will remember to call you.

Resources

• Visit infousa.com for information and to purchase direct marketing lists

[mikana]

on 9/3/2008 Good advice. Thank you.