 BUSINESS 4NETWORKING [Qualified Leads...experiences please!] |
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Posted on 26th Nov 2008 at 09:27
Hi Everyone,
Can anyone recommend a good lead generation company. There are stacks out there and I am using Approved Index with limited success. My business is a franchise and fellow franchisees in the south of England have had good results with them but they don't seem as effective up here in the frozen north.
Any personal experiences, good or bad would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Terry McGuinness. Activ Web Design - Newcastle.
Quality, affordable and professional website solutions for SME's
(E) terry.mcguinness@activwebdesign.com
(T) 07868 239608
(W) www.activwebdesign.com and www.activwebdesign.com/NE1/
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Posted on 26th Nov 2008 at 09:41
Hi Terry...I agree, they are not as effective here in Newcastle. I think that is because the opportunities are a little thinner on the ground.
Unfortunately I dont know any here either. I have only got business in the North by word of mouth or on line, curiously!
I am hoping the 4N 's arrival here will give us all new opportunities!
Paul Norman 4N North Tyneside and Oxford
Gibside Associates - a different approach
www.gibside.co.uk
Training for business with, no jargon. Consultancy that makes you think. Helping you be deliberately excellent.
Check here for training courses that might just suit you!
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Posted on 26th Nov 2008 at 10:31
Do you have a database of satisfied customers already? If so, use that! Contact them and let them know that you are fter referals, let them know what you want and also offer them something in return.
I have found that you can't wait for referals, when you finish a job, ask them for some specific names to contact who might be interested.
Commercial Finance for UK Business Owners
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Posted on 26th Nov 2008 at 10:56
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Posted on 26th Nov 2008 at 14:42
I used approaved index for telemarketing leads, they were awful, most were not even leads, some didn't even want telemarketing but data!!!
Michael
Michael Jackson
www.ebonybailey.co.uk
0845 00 30 800
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Posted on 26th Nov 2008 at 18:27
I've just cancelled my account with Approved Index.
I had used them for around 2 years and at first they were very useful and I won quite alot of work through them including some clients who have stuck with me since. But recently the leads just haven't been right for my business and it feels as though there may be a bigger pool of designers that the leads are going to (I maybe wrong, just my opinion).
Dot Design: Brand Identity/Logo Design, Print Design
Tel: 0870 8966678
Design Portfolio
Visit our Blog
Graphic Design Forums
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Posted on 26th Nov 2008 at 20:35
when they approached me I was not impressed as I realised that its really more of a case of luke warm enquiries that get sent to you and around half a dozen other suppliers. This was only my own experience though.
Karen Moore
Going For GROWTH,
Telemarketing Outsourcing, Telesales Training & Consultancy
www.thinksalesgrowth.co.uk
0792 7041651
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Posted on 26th Nov 2008 at 22:57
You need to find a lead generator that understands your business, not a random set of generic names that may or may not be interested in something vague.
I only use leads from a trusted source, I know the guy personaly, he is involved in the same business as me and sells leads which are prescreened and are expecting a call about either business opportunity or a health result, other wise you may as well pick up the phone book and start at the front.
0121 244 2968
www.FitnotFat.net
www.PositiveFuture.net
Independent Herbalife Distributor
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Posted on 26th Nov 2008 at 23:48
you have a database of satisfied customers already? If so, use that! Contact them and let them know that you are fter referals, let them know what you want and also offer them something in return.
I have found that you can't wait for referals, when you finish a job, ask them for some specific names to contact who might be interested
All very good Gill but if you're building a customer base not particularly helpful!
In my business I have limited options for lead provision, therefore in the event of buying leads look for those companies that can provide quality leads.
You need to define what you want from leads and the more qualified they are, the more you will need to pay. However, the more qualified they are, the more likely they are to convert to business.
What do I mean by qualified?
You can source leads that are just enquiries and 9 times out of 10 are unlikely to produce business - these are just leads, you really shouldn't be paying much, if anything for these.
Then there are the leads that people have evidenced an interest. Again this proves nothing and could mean you spending a lot of time chasing a possible lead that was never going to turn in to business anyway!
A qualified lead is from source whereby they have expressed a sincere interest in the business you have to offer and are genuinely looking to do business. The lead provider has had a conversation with the enquirer and they are genuinely interested in taking it further. A real potential in a business transaction and therefore a more expensive lead.
It's important to do a cost analysis to ensure you decide on the correct level of lead provision you take.
email: charmian@poldenfs.co.uk
tel: 07899983478
Group leader of Bridgwater - the birthplace of 4Networking
Next meeting: Thursday 15th January 2009
www.4networking.biz/events/4585.htm
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Posted on 27th Nov 2008 at 10:17
But Charmian if you look at the OP's website he would appear to have done some sites, therefore he does have a client database, therefore my answer is not that dumb!!
There is his basis for testimonials and there is his basis for referals.
He needs to set up a network of people that know his work and can recommend him. For instance, anyone asks me for something I know where I can point them through either using them or having seen how they work ... after all, aint what networking and 4N is about?
I personally, have over 900 bird dogs as I so lovingly refer to them (people who pass on leads) and I formed that from letting old clients know what it is I can do, and what kind of leads I would like. Yes it takes more than a couple of months to get to this stage, but expecting miracles overnight is somewhat short sighted.
Its hard work that gets you where you want to be, that and forming good relationships with people ...
Commercial Finance for UK Business Owners
Want to know more? Head over to the website and sign up for our packed newsletters with free giveaways full of useful information from some experienced business heads.
Did you claim your child tax back yet? Did you know you could?
www.avsagencies.com
www.avsbookkeeping.com
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Posted on 27th Nov 2008 at 13:32
Don't write a forum thread just pick up the phone and call your contacts, it can be more effective than any outside agency. I am marketing, sales and health & safety consultant and coach. My ambition with every client is to get them doing these functions themselves, professionally and effectively.
Put the profit where it should be - in your pocket.
Mike Leahy
Coaching, Consultantancy & Courses
Sales & Marketing Basic Ideas that not only work but that are no-cost or low-cost
Call now and succeed
 
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Posted on 27th Nov 2008 at 14:55
Hi,
Thanks to everyone for their contributions. I think a lead generation company that does what it says is very hard to come by, although some people do get good results.
I will be working hard with current contacts and hopefully 4N users to generate business. You guys have all been where I am at the minute....just started and trying to get a foothold.
Really appreciate you all taking time to add to the debate. Thanks
Terry McGuinness. Activ Web Design - Newcastle.
Quality, affordable and professional website solutions for SME's
(E) terry.mcguinness@activwebdesign.com
(T) 07868 239608
(W) www.activwebdesign.com and www.activwebdesign.com/NE1/
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