Business Leads

Anyone who runs their own business can tell you how challenging it is to generate business leads on a consistent basis. Finding good leads and generating more sales is vital to the long term growth of any business. There are many well documented sources of business leads ? we will try to cover some of the best in this article.

As any job seeker can tell you, networking generates far more job offers than simply reading the want ads each morning. The same is true of business leads. Networking with your peers is likely to generate far more business leads then putting an ad in your local newspaper. That is because of the exponential nature of the social and business network.

Say you tell five associates about your great new business. Each of those five associates tells five of their friends and associates, and so on and so on. You can see how quickly your circle can expand. Word of mouth advertising is the most cost effective advertising of all. It's free and it can generate an exceptional amount of interest in your business.

Trade shows are another excellent source of business leads. Trade shows take the networking concept a step further by gathering together executives and business owners for a common purpose. Trade shows can focus on a specific industry or a specific market. For instance, we have a trade show here each fall to which all the local businesses are invited. This provides an excellent opportunity for business executives and small business owners to meet each other and discuss their products and services. This show generates excellent business leads year in and year out.

Industry specific trade shows are an excellent source of business leads as well. For instance, the computer industry holds many trade shows throughout the year, including the well known extravaganza in Las Vegas each year. By concentrating on one industry, the vendors know they will be able to generate good business leads among an audience that is already interested in the product or service they provide. This focus can eliminate a lot of the wasted effort that often accompanies efforts to generate business leads.

Trade magazines can be another excellent source of business leads. Unlike advertising in your local newspaper, or general purpose magazine, trade magazines are focused in on a specific industry. Trade magazines are generally read only by those involved in that industry. Believe me when I say it ? no one reads Network Computing for fun. By advertising in a trade industry journal or magazine, you can be assured of reaching a targeted audience for a reasonable price. There are a number of trade industry journals, both online and offline. Check their circulation rates to make sure you are getting the most bang for your buck.

Being flexible, creative and friendly goes a long way when searching for business leads. Be creative, think of things the other guy has not. Tell the people you meet every day about your business. The more you get the word out about your business, the more business leads you are bound to generate. Always strive to be the best in everything you do. Your drive and determination will help you stay a step ahead of the competition.

-----------------------------------------------

You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your e-book or on your web site, free of charge, as long as the author bylines are included with an active hyperlink to the aWebBiz.com website.

-----------------------------------------------

Barry Stein is the owner of aWebBiz.com where he offers cutting-edge tips on all aspects of business. To find more advice, tools and resources to help you succeed in your business, visit: http://www.aWebBiz.com

Barry's Internet Marketing Blog: http://awebbiz.com/blog

---

Increase Sales With Travel Incentives

Today's business environment has changed dramatically over the past 10... Read More

Have You Sold Your Internal Customers?

You can make the sale. You know your core message.... Read More

Trade Show Videos Need to be Planned

A few months ago, we attended the recent Austech 2005... Read More

Unleash the Powerful Promoter Within

Dear Friend,You're ripping me off.How? You may be thinking, "We... Read More

Meaning and Marketing - The Eye of the Storm

It's 1954. Yes, Mrs. Patricia Smith has been a good... Read More

Feature Your Benefits

Sales Copy? eventually every small business owner must consider what... Read More

How Nearly Going Broke Taught Me The Value Of Niche Marketing

If you want to learn how effective Niche Marketing can... Read More

21 Must-Have Web Site Elements

Your Web site should be the cornerstone of your client... Read More

A Seven Letter Word That Helped a 3 Month Marketing Newbie to Online Success

Who would have thought that a three month newbie and... Read More

The Seven Deadly Sins of Ineffective Nametags

Your nametag can be your best friend. It can be... Read More

Writing Guarantees that Sell

"This offer is good but can you guarantee it."Why write... Read More

6 Things I Know About Postcards That You Don?t

In my plethora of experience tucked away between these ears,... Read More

Marketing Success - Marketing Strategy - Brand Identity Guru

Marketing message x Credibility x Visibility = Marketing SuccessThese three... Read More

Determining Visitor Types

The trade show floor is full of different types of... Read More

Loyalty Cards ? Tips To Consider Before Committing To One

Loyalty marketing has been around for as long as retailing... Read More

9 Highly Effective Marketing Tips

Here are 9 low-cost but highly effective marketing tips to... Read More

5 Ways to Give Your Web Site a Big-Company Look and Feel

We all DO judge a book by its cover, and... Read More

Marketing to the Affluent - with Wine

With its association to an affluent, sophisticated lifestyle, wine can... Read More

Marketing Secrets #101- Your Most Important Sale

Which sale is the most important one you will ever... Read More

Every Days a Holiday!

You probably know that February 2nd is Groundhog Day. But... Read More

Have Something Good To Say

If you don't get this right, you can just forget... Read More

Time for Marketers to Clean Up Their Act!

Some years ago, a prominent Australian hi-tech company... Read More

Color Part 2: Formats and Systems

There are several color formats and systems available for mixing... Read More

Business Card Design - How to Stand out and Get Noticed

One of the most powerful, yet over looked weapons in... Read More

Mortgage Marketing - How to Find Your Niche

Ann Landers, Dr. Phil and Roger Ebert take pleasure in... Read More

Practice Marketing: How to Answer What Do You Do? to Increase Prospects, Publicity and Profits

"What do you do?""I'm a CPA. What do you do?""I'm... Read More

Competitive Research and Google

It all started out with an email message: "I am... Read More

Hispanic Market Reality and Purchasing Power

How many Hispanic people live in the US currently. Well... Read More

The Seven Vital Steps You Must Know To Ensure Direct Mail Success

1. Your Most Valuable AssetA mailing list of valued customers... Read More

How to Handle Jargon at Your Web Site - and Why

If you sell a technical product or service, you probably... Read More

Second Dose Of Marketing Vitamins

Organizations often get stuck in neutral when it comes to... Read More

Have You Tried Cause Marketing?

To help promote your small business or professional practice, consider... Read More

Beyond the Booth

With the advent of spring, trade shows begin to blossom.... Read More