In this market, inexperienced sales teams often to learn that. More often than not, working smart is just as important as working hard -- and for smart selling, it's tough to beat an exceptional sewing machine parts, supplies, and attachments business lead list.

How to Find Sales Leads

It only takes a quick glance at the marketplace to know that sewing machine parts, supplies, and attachments business lead generation strategies are extremely diverse. While some businesses prefer to generate leads primarily through networking, others conduct formal prospecting campaigns through trade associations, business lists and even online searches. The majority of companies use a combination of strategies, but never really settle into a comfortable routine.

Lead lists eliminate the unpredictability of lead generation and deliver leads that have been compiled from the best possible sources. More importantly, third-party leads lists generally have a higher conversion rate than the ones that are acquired through in-house processes.

Lead List Dynamics

Lead lists can (and should) be filtered to target sewing machine parts, supplies, and attachments businesses that are likely to respond to your sales and marketing efforts. Filtered lists can then be used for a range of activities within your organization including prospecting, direct mail and telemarketing. If your marketing mix features Internet-based tactics, your lead lists should contain updated email and site contact data.

Where to Find Lead Lists

Online searches are usually the first place sales managers go 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.

Over the years, we've seen a lot of lead list vendors come and go, but we have been consistently impressed with Experian. One of Experian's many high points is a database of more than 14 million U.S. businesses. Companies that sell to sewing machine parts, supplies, and attachments businesses rave about Experian's ability to deliver updated leads that have been filtered to meet precise geographic and demographic criteria.