What does a sales lead do?

Oh no no no! Please let’s not go back to the 90’s and 00’s here. Do we really think if someone clicks or leaves an email for a download that’s a lead? Let me help you…that’s someone that’s interested in your download. Do you think calling them or emailing them with a buy my stuff message is what they want next? A sales lead is defined by that person declaring that they have a genuine interest, need or want for your product, service or solution. You are setting the wrong expectations in this article as you’re describing a Suspect not a Prospect. Attracting the right profile of Suspects is great…nurture them until and if they declare a position as a Prospect. A Suspect will never buy…so it’s not a sales lead. Good luck!

Think of a sales lead like finding a cool new friend at a party – someone you vibe with and want to get to know better. It's like being the friend who introduces wild ideas and challenges the usual hangout spots. Your sales lead is basically a friend who's curious about what you're into. Be the rebel buddy who shakes up their routine, suggesting the offbeat stuff that could be way more fun. You're not just selling a product; you're inviting them to join an exciting adventure. So, be the friend who gets them thinking differently, adds some spice to their choices, and makes them realize that what you're offering is the next big thing – the binge-worthy show they never knew they needed.

A sales lead is a person or business who may eventually become a client. Sales lead also refers to the data that identifies an entity as a potential buyer of a product or service. Businesses gain access to sales leads through advertising, trade shows, direct mailings, third parties, and other marketing efforts. A sales lead is not really a sales "prospect" per se because a business would need to examine and qualify the potential new client further to determine their intent and interest

Too many people assume even the merest hint of someone showing an interest in anything you/your company does is a ‘lead’ I’ve always based a lead to be someone who has shown an interest in my service but is unaware of USP’s. If you solve a problem for a client and they are aware of your existence and your solution then they are NOT a lead…yet. They need to be contacted to ensure you meet their criteria and they meet yours in terms of them being able to progress to a potential order placing situation, if yes THEN they are a lead.

Gosh the side note is making a simple thing complicated. A suspect is NOT a sales lead. A suspect is someone who fits the profile of a potential client and MAY be interested in your product / service but equally, may NOT. E.g. Maybe you sell signage to companies and a business clicks on a link to give you permission to include them on the mailing list for your monthly newsletter. So the fact they're in business makes them a suspect but that doesn't make them a sales lead. For all you know, they've just invested in new signage last month. A sales lead is a prospect; someone who has expressed an interest in your product or service or that they have a need for it. Big ...er no, I'm wrong - HUGE difference between the two.

Generating sales leads is like orchestrating a symphony. I've fine-tuned this process by deeply understanding my industry, targeting the right audience, and orchestrating harmonious marketing campaigns across email, social media, and webinars. Leveraging existing relationships, asking for referrals, and offering incentives have proven instrumental. Cold outreach, akin to striking a new chord, involves meticulous research to introduce myself and my value proposition. Lastly, participating in events serves as a grand stage where I collect business cards and scan badges, creating a crescendo of potential leads.

Having that consistent conversation about your product in most of your platforms. Not just sourcing new but forecasting on the existing client because the give referrals.

Understanding the business,industry, regulation of country and clients mindset of that region is essential part to generate lead.

Qualifying sales leads is like finding the perfect match. I've honed this process by asking tailored questions, using frameworks like BANT, CHAMP, and MEDDIC, to unveil their needs, budget, and decision-making criteria. It's about sifting through the leads to uncover the ones truly ready to commit.

Understanding and identifying their needs. Helping them identify the opportunities available. Information is power them knowing the better of a what they are yet to purchase and how competitive the income definitely that's a win to you.

Nurturing sales leads is like tending to a garden. I've cultivated relationships by consistently offering valuable information, using CRM tools, email, and social media to address concerns and guide leads toward a confident purchase.

Making them gain confidence. Ensuring that they understand that your relationship is not just meant a win for you as a sales person but one they can come as a consultant and advisor.

Converting sales leads is like sealing the deal. I've succeeded by crafting irresistible offers, using trial closes, urgency, and social proof to guide leads through negotiations, ensuring their satisfaction and commitment.

To convert sales leads successfully, focus on understanding prospects, personalize messages, maintain responsive communication, build trust, highlight unique value, employ effective follow-up strategies, offer customized solutions, overcome objections, adopt a collaborative approach, provide a clear call-to-action, and engage in continuous learning for improvement.