by Katrina Collins

Created on: September 30, 2008   Last Updated: June 13, 2009

Effective Leads for the 21st Century Business

We're living in an economy where, if a business does not change the way it works, it could very well go broke. Some suggestions to keep that from happening? Work hard at getting effective leads, do it smart, and use the tools that are already available to you. Used to be that networking (weekly networking groups, the golf course, luncheon meeting) was a great way to get good business leads. The raise in gas prices, the lack of time available to us, and the fact that many of us are brown bagging it, can make these weekly networking meetings prohibitive.

The alternative? Online networking. Using online business networks, which are similar to MySpace and Connexion but for businesses, is an inexpensive, quick and very effective manner in which to effect great business leads. The success of personal networking online services in developing one's business is proof that a business networking online services could be even more effective. For example, LinkedIn.com. Their free basic plan allows you to establish brand recognition, marketing opportunities, and develop solid leads. Find out if your local Chamber of Commerce has an online network. Oftentimes a specific industry will have online networking groups already established. If they don't, incorporate a Content Management System into your website, like Joomla or DotNetNuke, and add your own component to allow networking, such as the Community Builder for Joomla.

Once you've established yourself on a network, utilize all the tools available to you: add people with similar interests, become involved in, or better yet...create, discussions and board rooms, send out bulletins or mass emails to your networked group. Ask advise from others on the network. Don't post things like "hey folks, buy my product now". Rather, be subtle, take your time, go through the discussions, become involved and prove your knowledge to the group first. As time goes by, you'll start to establish a name for yourself. When that happens, people will ask what you do, and some of the most effective leads you can find will start coming in weekly, then daily.

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