Why and how can you generate leads or prospects to boost your sales?

What’s more, if many people know about your brand, this will automatically reinforce its reputation.

However, before you can start generating leads in quantity, you need to know where and how to contact a prospect, as well as the best way to approach them to gain their trust.

Participation in trade shows and networking events

Meeting new people is always a great way to expand your network.

You could, for example, consider taking part in trade shows or special events organized precisely to meet the public.

This will give you the opportunity to get to know potential customers and identify their needs and desires simply by talking to them.

A trade show or even a themed breakfast is obviously the ideal place to forge relationships that can later lead to business agreements.

Of course, participation in this type of event is not free: you’ll need to set aside a budget, which can be high, especially if you’re exhibiting at a trade show with a high profile and high attendance.

But if you’re serious about generating leads and making interesting contacts, the investment is usually well worth it.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Do your research and find out about the reputation of events. Not all trade shows or structures like BNI, but also forums or networking events, are created equal. Some are more suited to certain very specific fields, while others will play on attendance and visitor numbers.
• Hand out business cards. Make sure you have enough to hand out to potential customers.
• Talk to people. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with people you don’t know. You never know who you might meet or what connections you might make! You might be surprised!
• Always make a good first impression!
• Make sure you represent your company in the best possible light, and keep business cards close at hand, as we said above.
• Prepare a few phrases that will make it easy to introduce your company to a stranger. Have a sales pitch in mind in case you are approached by someone who wants to find out more about your company: the idea is never to find yourself again.
• Follow up seriously. Once you’ve met someone at a trade show or special event, make sure you keep that contact alive. Send them an e-mail, maybe connect on social media to chat with them or even, if they’ve left you a phone number, give them a call. The aim is to keep that person’s memory alive, so that they think of you first when they need your services or products.

And why not take advantage of business breakfasts to make yourself known?

Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of breakfast meetings between professionals:

• Always arrive early. This will give you a chance to chat with people before the event starts, in a less conventional atmosphere than at the “official” breakfast.
• Make sure you have plenty of business cards with you. It’s a great way to make sure people remember you after the event!
• “Put the icing on the cake and enjoy the food and drink: breakfast is the perfect time to refuel for a busy day!
• Use the event as a networking opportunity. Don’t be afraid to talk to a large number of people and see if you can make some business connections.
• As with trade shows, follow up with people after the event. Send them an e-mail or give them a call to keep in touch.

Using business breakfasts as a way to meet new people can give your network a real boost: so make sure you take advantage of every opportunity when it arises!

Attract new prospects with a professional business card

If you’re a store owner, small business manager or, for example, an executive in an international company, one of the best ways to attract new customers and grow your business is to have an attractive business card, which you hand out every time you meet a new person.

Because a well-designed business card, whether printed or digital, can make a big impression on potential customers and help you stand out from your competitors.

There are a few simple things to keep in mind when designing your business card:

• your business card should be easy to read and understand. Include only the most essential information on the front, such as your name, company name, contact details and any logo.
• make it memorable by using a unique design or images that will highlight your uniqueness.
• why not use less conventional materials than paper for your business card? Today, wood, metal, silky plastics and even fabric are available for creative business cards.

If you don’t know where to start, there are numerous business card models available online or from a traditional printer. And don’t forget the digital version of the card, with QR-code and integrated NFC chip, which offers great ease of use: all your contact needs to do is have a smartphone and approach your digital business card for your contact details to be transmitted automatically.

Expand your business network by approaching new people anywhere

As you know, to succeed in business, it’s important to develop a solid network of contacts, both prospects and customers.

One of the best ways to do this is to meet as many new people as possible, wherever you are.

Yes, you might find someone interested in your services in a queue, for example.

Or at a parents’ evening or vacation club…

When it comes to developing your network, it’s important not to focus solely on traditional events as mentioned above: there are plenty of other opportunities to exploit.

But when you’re communicating with someone, never forget to exchange business cards at the end of the discussion.

It’s an effective way of making a good impression and keeping a concrete record of each interlocutor.

In fact, make sure you keep your business cards organized if, for example, you have different types, and store them in a place where you can find them easily: from this point of view, a card holder is ideal!

And when you give out your business card but the person you’re talking to doesn’t have one, be sure to make a note of their name, contact details and e-mail address, as this will help you to set up an effective follow-up with them to eventually establish a business relationship.

And why not add a personal, handwritten note on the back of the card to personalize it?

Join a professional organization

Joining a professional organization linked to your sector of activity is an excellent way to meet other professionals and keep up to date with the latest news in your field.

You can find a list of such organizations by searching online, or by asking your local chamber of commerce.

When attending events organized by professional associations such as BNI, or service clubs such as the Lion’s Club or Rotary, be sure to take plenty of business cards with you: this will make it easier to talk to people you’ve never met.

And why not organize your own networking event?

If you live in a medium-sized town, this could be a great way to make yourself known in a positive way!

The advantage of BNI-type structures is that the meeting between professionals is really formalized: you’ll be given a limited amount of time, but enough to present your activities to the whole group.

And the dynamism of the members is recognized almost everywhere: so this could be an opportunity for you to seize, even if it comes at a high cost.