How to Increase Business Leads

Every business wants to make sure it's constantly bringing in new clients.

Not only does that guarantee that the business profits will stay steady or increase, but it ensures that you have a steady clientele base should older clients not need your service. For businesses that don't do as much ongoing business with clients, this is even more integral.

That's why increasing your business leads is so important. And there are a few innovative tactics that you can use to do this--some you may not have thought of before.

Things You'll Need

• Business Cards
• Internet
• Local Newspaper
• Industry Trade Publications
• Online Presence

Instructions

1. 

   Network. I know, I know--you hear this one all the time. But it really is important! What helps is to target your networking so you don't waste your time. For me, I'd rather go to a large-scale event that is free than sit at a luncheon with 10 people who are already in my industry.

   While personal connections are great, the larger events are ideal if you want to really work the room and pass out tons of business cards. Both types of networking are sure to help.

2. Carry Business Cards. You literally never know when your next prospect could be. I hate to say that you should do business during personal time, but sometimes that's when you meet new prospects, so it's best to come prepared.

   Handing out your business card--even if you're on vacation--gives the lead the details they need to reach you (and you should get theirs too!) so you can do business later. All you need to do in this case is follow up with the prospect: for example, after you've lapped up margaritas and a good tan.

3. 

   Use the Internet. Instead of relying solely on networking or print publications, I highly encourage businesses to use the Internet. Where you surf all depends on your business. For me, I like to get really innovative--sometimes I can swipe a lead that's advertised hiring for a completely different service than I offer. But in many cases this company doesn't regularly advertise or has flown under my radar, so I try to snag a contact there when I can.

   Post on forums, visit your local newspaper's interactive boards and visit sites like www.craigslist.com to stay abreast of what's going on in your region.

4. Follow Up, But Let it Sit Too. While you should follow up with prospects within a few days, it's good to know when to stop. If you've left a voicemail and an email, that's enough. You don't want to appear too pushy.

   The great thing about meeting new leads is that you never know when they'll come back to you. So many of my clients have come to me--some years later--after I met them. (I also make it a point to keep them on a mailing list so I constantly stay in front of them!)

   
   Put your heart into the follow up, but definitely know when to stop. Your leads may not come back to you instantly but if you put yourself out there, they are bound to. (And usually just when you need them!)

Tips & Warnings

• Think outside the box when it comes to getting leads. If you rely on the Internet, get out and meet people at an event--and vice versa.

• Consider new forms of advertising.

• Contribute to local news avenues and trade publications.