No one likes to Cold Call. There are ways to have fun with it so the Rejection doesn’t cause depression. It is getting even more difficult with the Do Not Call lists (state, federal, and company) and voicemail. Door knocking is probably more effective especially with repeat visits in non-MTU buildings. (Those No Solicitation signs shouldn’t stop a passionate salesperson). Even door knocking is easier when coupled with appointment setting.

But you need leads, right?

Well, you can buy leads, especially if you have a specific geographic area or niche.

What’s a SIC? Standard Industrial Classification. See here and here. There is also a North American Industry Classification System that the Census uses. These are both ways to tackle a vertical.

Email marketing can work if it is Permission based (Opt-in) and valuable, but you have to develop a subscriber list, which takes time.

ValuPak, Classified Ads, Craigslist, PR, seminars, webinars, white papers, BNI, industry associations, Chambers of Commerce, strategic partners, write blog/letters/comments, event marketing, 50-butt rule (network), Adwords, Landing Page Optimization, speaking (at Rotary/Lions/etc.), banner ads, podcasts, video / commercials.

Yes, that’s quite a list. It takes some work, but that’s what it takes today.