The old days of sitting at the phone and cold calling from the Hill and Donnelly is being replaced with a new form of lead generation. Generating and capturing leads online has a whole new dimension and requires knowledge of contact management, building lists and of course being tied into social media. The advice of this ePro Advisor, create a strategic plan and gradually incorporate the following 10 steps into your business practice.

1. Market and Advertise Off-line and Online

A lead generation strategy is useless without a way of getting prospects to the first rung of the ladder. This means implementing a successful marketing plan for your business. A good marketing strategy can motivate cold prospects to become warm leads and take the first step in doing business with you. Engaging online visitors is critical with building your contact list.

2. Build a List

Your list is one of your most important assets. Most prospects are not ready to connect the first time you come in contact with them, but they may be ready at some stage in the future. A well developed list of current prospects, customers and past clients is all a part of contact management.

Of course, good list building is not just an excel sheet with everybody's email address. A contact management program that allows multiple groups and various statues for different types of contacts is a must-have tool.