Every business – yours included – needs leads; a stead flow of fresh prospects looking at products and services. The problem is, most people get into business with no idea how to find new leads… they run out of prospects and their business is dead in the water.
Enter Facebook
Facebook how has more than 1 billion users. So it would stand to reason that a few of them would be interested in what you have to offer.
Finding free leads on Facebook takes a little bit of know-how, but apply these strategies and you'll have no trouble finding new people to to share your products and services with.
Get Social
Posting the same boring stuff on your wall day after day isn't gaining you customers – it's losing you friends. Join groups and like pages related to your business, and make new “business acquaintances.” Make sure you take your time and build some trust with your new friends before you start pitching them on your business.
Super ninja strategy #1: Ask questions… people love talking about themselves, and will often tell you exactly what they need. Also, take the relationship “offline” as quickly as possible… suggest getting on the phone, Skype or a Google Hangout. After a short conversation you can say something like “you know, I've been online all day… why don't we go old-school and chat on the phone… lol”
Most people will say yes… from there, just keep the conversation light and friendly and listen for where you might be able to help. You don't have to sell anything the first time you talk – this initial call is more about solidifying the relationship and learning more about your potential customer's needs. You'll be surprised how much rapport you can build in a 10-15 minute phone call.
Mastermind
Mastermind groups are a hotbed for business, if you join a good quality group. Don't join for the sole purpose of prospecting of course, but as you get to know your mastermind partners, you'll get to know where they may have needs you can fulfill. As you become a trusted member of the group and become known for your expertise, you'll likely get referrals for business in the future.
Super ninja strategy #2: You can find great mastermind groups using services like Meetup.com. Even if you can't attend live, most groups set up Facebook group pages you can join – giving you an opportunity to network with high quality people from the comfort of your own home.
Contribute
In high-quality groups there are always lots of questions being asked. Make it a point to answer questions related to your area of expertise whenever possible. Be careful not to spam links into a group, as many well moderated groups don't allow you to post links of any kind (even helpful links to your blog).
Super ninja strategy #2 – give a short answer, followed by “I literally just wrote a blog post that goes into WAY more detail – message me if you want the link :)” Don't be surprised if you get a bunch of messages and new friend requests.
Don't Be a Spammer
Notice that none of these strategies involve blasting people with your business on first contact, or spamming groups with links to your business. You're a pro so you should market like one.
That means getting to know your potential customers' needs, and showing them how your product or service could be a good fit. If you always approach new people as friendly and helpful, you'll quickly find plenty of new business.
One Final Tip
Have a lead capture page ready for when you have a conversation with someone who is interested in your business, rather than send them directly to your product page. That way you can capture them as a lead, and send them a proper follow up sequence – increasing your likelihood of making a sale.
Remember, most people don't buy on the first exposure so create a good (read “value-packed”) email followup series that keeps bringing them back. They'll appreciate the helpful information, and will keep you top of mind when considering your kind of product or service.
Sounds pretty easy right? That's because it is…
Set aside a little time each day for connecting with new people and adding value wherever there's an opportunity… once people see your value and see they can trust you, they'll become much more receptive to making a buying decision with you.
Stay cool and have fun!
PS… did you find this article helpful? Be sure to leave a comment and share with your other business friends 🙂
Resources in this Social Media Marketing Happy Hour Podcast Episode
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I took Dawn’s course Facebook Profits Blueprint and man did it make a huge difference in getting free leads! I turn around situations where someone spams my inbox and have turn them into great relationships. I think a lot of us know what not to do, but feel overwhelmed by what we see others doing. This blinds us to what we know to do and that is where this advice brings you back to reality. I feel empowered to do it the right way because of this awesome resource. Thanks ladies!