Exhausting B2B Lead Generation Outside LinkedIn: Best Strategies and Tools

While LinkedIn remains one of the most popular platforms for business development (BD) and lead generation, there are numerous other tools and strategies available to expand your reach. From recruitment tools like Indeed and ZipRecruiter, to applicant tracking systems (ATS) like Greenhouse and Workable, and niche platforms tailored to specific industries, the options are vast.

Beyond LinkedIn: Recruitment Tools and ATS Platforms

Job search engines and ATS platforms offer a range of features that go beyond LinkedIn. For example, Indeed and ZipRecruiter both provide comprehensive solutions for recruiting and managing applicants. These platforms include applicant tracking, automated screening, and integrations with multiple job boards. Similarly, Greenhouse and Workable are highly regarded ATS solutions that can streamline your hiring process. Beyond these general-purpose tools, niche platforms like AngelList cater to startups and Bebance to creative professionals.

For a detailed comparison of these tools, please visit my Quora Profile.

Forums and QA Platforms: Quora and Reddit

FORUMS AND QA PLATFORMS SUCH AS Quora AND Reddit ARE ALSO TROUGHBORN FOR BIZ DEVELPMENT AND CORP GROWTH. ON THESE PLATFORMS, YOU CAN BECOME AN EXPERT AND ATTRACTION LEADS THROUGH VALUABLE CONTENT AND INSIGHTS. HOWEVER, THIS PROCESS CAN TAKE SOME TIME TO BUILD CREDIBILITY.

Strategic Lead Generation beyond Traditional Methods

THE KEY TO SUCCESSFULLY IDENTIFYING AND ENGAGING WITH YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE LIES IN TARGETED STRATEGIES. BUT THE CRUX IS DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN CONTACT DETAILS OF A PERSON FITTING CERTAIN DEMOGRAPHICS AND FIRMOGRAPHICS CRITERIA AND THOSE WHO ACTUALLY HAVE AN INTENT OR INTEREST IN WHAT YOU ARE OFFERING. IN THIS ARTICLE, WE WILL FOCUS ON THE LATTER.

WHEN IT COMES TO FINDING QUALIFIED LEADS, PARTICIPATING IN TRADE SHOWS AND INDUSTRY EVENTS CAN BE EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL. HOWEVER, IT IS NOT ABOUT TAKING THE TRADITIONAL APPROACH—SETTING UP A BOOTH AND SITTING AWAITING CONSUMERS. RATHER, IT IS ABOUT BEING PREPARED AND PROACTIVE IN YOUR ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY.

BEFORE THE EVENT, PREPARE A LIST OF POTENTIAL CONTACTS YOU WISH TO ENGAGE WITH. CONTACT THESE POTENTIAL LEADS AHEAD OF TIME TO REQUEST A PERSONAL MEETING. On the day of the event, arrived early, made rounds, and initiate conversations. The morning of the first day, important individuals such as founders and CEOs are still energetic and available, making it a prime time to connect. By the afternoon, the booth will mostly be occupied by junior marketing staff, reducing the effectiveness of waiting for prospects to approach.

BE COMFORTABLE, BRING A TABLET TO DO DEMONSTRATIONS, AND AGREE TO FOLLOW-UP MEETINGS IF PROSPECTS ARE INTERESTED. BE MINDFUL OF THE TIME YOU USE, HAVING IN MIND THAT THEY ARE THERE TO PROMOTE THEIR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.

STRATEGICALLY EXECUTING YOUR ENGAGEMENT PLAN CAN HELP YOU MAXIMIZE YOUR ATTENDANCE EFFICIENCY. BY THE END OF THE FIRST DAY, YOU MAY WELL HAVE A FEW QUALIFIED LEADS TO TAKE BACK HOME.

TO SUMMARIZE, WHILE FACEBOOK AND LINKEDIN ARE KEY TO MONITORING THE SOCIAL WEB, OTHER PLACES LIKE TRADE SHOWS, INDUSTRY EVENTS, AND FORUMS LIKE QUORA AND REDDIT CAN ALSO BE EXTREMELY VALUABLE.