Sellers often fail to recognize that outsourcing may be more beneficial than internal lead generation. Here's what you need to know about outsourced lumber yard prospect databases.

What Companies Sell Leads?

Google is often business owners' first stop when they're looking for a lead list provider. The Internet has obvious value, but it doesn't tell the whole story. Many online vendors are big on promises and short on execution, so it's important to verify each provider's claims and references.

We've known many lead list providers throughout the years, but we have been consistently impressed with Experian. One of the reasons we like Experian is because they have a database of more than 14 million U.S. businesses. Companies that sell to lumber yards rave about Experian's ability to deliver updated leads that have been filtered to meet precise geographic and demographic criteria.

Getting Creative With Third-Party Lead Lists

Profitable businesses are constantly looking for innovative ways to incorporate lead lists into their selling processes.

Collaboration and knowledge sharing are standard practices. However, there may also be ways to integrate lead lists and technology to design powerful online sales and marketing strategies.

With the right approach, it's possible to develop lead list-based campaigns that direct lumber yard owners to a user-friendly company website or encourage them to access online content through mobile devices.

Direct Mail Marketing Tips

With direct mail, you have to get it right the first time. When a lumber yard decisionmaker reads your piece, he has to be captivated by what he sees.

Most businesses invest large sums of money in the creation of each direct mail piece. But here's the kicker: All of the time, energy and resources you invest in your direct mail marketing channel will be wasted unless your pieces are seen by the right people. As a result, lead generation isn't just about adding lumber yard names to a list -- it's about creating a list of targeted lumber yard sales prospects.

Types of Data Available from Lead Database Vendors

In dealing with the biggest lead list companies, you usually receive Company Name, Contact Name, Address and Phone Number. What you actually get depends on which lead vendor you buy from. In some cases, for example, you can get fields like Subsidiary Status, Credit Rating Scores and Type of Business (SIC/NAICS).