The channels, Linkedin, Facebook etc. etc. are swamped with promotions, ‘How to get squillions of leads’… or, ‘Give me leads and we will pay referral commissions’, etc etc.
But the best way to get good single leads, is to GIVE a lead. If you identify a person you would like to do business with, take an interest in that other person’s business, understand what they are looking for and give them a qualified lead. .
Or look to give them a couple of leads. The working relationship with that new business connection will change in a flash… you are sharing mutual business interests and contacts.
Essential that the leads are ‘qualified’. When talking to a contact, ask, “are you interested in ????’ (whatever the benefit of the new contact’s business is…) And if they say ‘yes’, say ‘I have come across someone who can perhaps offer that, can I put you in touch?’
There is one major network group that adopts this approach to developing mutual businesses… and it is the most successful referral system… by miles.
The principle is relatively simple to adopt, but it takes careful consideration on a number of issues, and a careful choice of words, how to make it work.
Need advice on how to progress? Startup Assist UK includes basic advice on the process in one of the regular online workshops. Email for details.
Email: ian@startupassist.uk