Small business owners can be elusive. They’re a busy bunch, so you need all the help you can get when it comes to finding new leads from their ranks. The good news is, there are tons of ways to cultivate small business leads!

Some are online, some are offline, but they all can be tremendously effective in earning you new business. The tips below are a few tried-and-true methods that will help you connect with new prospects and boost your sales.

1. Be an expert

The Web offers a lot of opportunities for you to showcase your knowledge of your subject area, no matter what it is. LinkedIn Answers, your own blog, and topical forums – they’re all channels in which you can offer advice and get your name out there. The more helpful you are, the better. Your messages will serve as lasting beacons that can result in leads tracking you down. As far as sales go, there are few more favorable situations than that.

2. Run a Pay Per Click (PPC) Campaign

If you target the right keywords, a PPC campaign can be a very effective way to find exactly the types of leads you want. It will depend on what you’re selling, but with a little research, you can find a set of keywords that can pull in a stream of leads that are very likely to include small business owners. What’s great about this method is that, by clicking, the leads have already taken an action that shows some interest in your product. This acts as a prequalification to filter out pointless connections.

3. Speak

Speaking events (especially local chamber of commerce events) are a good way to raise your profile and to meet new leads. Make sure and stick around after your event, as attendees will likely approach you directly. Also, provide pamphlets or business cards on a nearby table for audience members to take as a reference.

To get extra mileage from your hard work, post a video of your event online. If your event was instructional, people conducting online searches for related questions may find your video and then reach out to you afterward.

In addition, don’t forget to list speaking engagements as a part of your credentials in your online profiles!

4. Cross-Promote

Joining others that serve small businesses in a joint venture or cross-promotional project can help you find new leads easily. Customers of your partner business will learn about your company as a result of the joint project, and you’ll instantly have access to a second audience. If you chose your partner carefully, this second audience could be a natural fit as customers of your business.

5. Get social

Don’t ignore Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms. They’re a highly cost effective way to make connections. It takes very little time, and the only thing you absolutely need to do is stay consistent. Post regularly on topics that are relevant to your business, and you’ll quickly cultivate a reputation for being knowledgeable and active. The leads will follow.

6. *Bonus tip

If you’re tired of tracking down your own small business leads, just use Bizness CRM! Small business leads are built directly into our simple, easy-to-use CRM system, which is designed specifically for those who sell to small businesses.

To learn more, and to grab a free trial, click here.