1. Customer contact: Not many of us realize this but are existing customers are the best source of generating sales leads. They can bring you loads of new business by referring you to their contacts. Keeping in regular touch with the customers by phone or email is one of the best ways to generate sales leads.
2. Trade groups and associations: Being an active member of trade groups also helps a lot. If you happen to be a regular speaker at trade events, it greatly increases your chances of generating sales leads.
3. Writing: Those who occasionally or regularly write for trade journals and magazines are held in high regard and increases your brand value. This brand value helps a lot in generating trade leads.
4. Quality of service: You may be able to get a few trade leads but if you don't provide quality service, you lose more than you gain. One of the best ways of generating sales leads is by word of mouth and no one does it better than a satisfied customer.
5. Complimentary products and services: Send your customers to the businesses that sell products that compliment yours. This is also one of the best methods of generating sales leads. You send them your customers, they will send you theirs.