You can’t build a business without customers. Unfortunately, finding people who want to buy is one of the hardest parts of building a business. That’s why 74% of companies say that converting leads into customers is the top priority for their business.

Sales lead generation isn’t easy for even the most experienced salesperson. Keep reading to learn eight sales lead tips that will help your business acquire new customers.

1. Create a Customer Persona

You won’t go far if you try to appeal to a general audience with your marketing. Your business offers a specific solution to a specific problem. There’s a particular type of person that wants to buy what your company has to offer.

You can hone your marketing message by creating a persona for the types of customers most likely to purchase from you. Figure out how old they are, what business they’re in, and what they’re interested in.

When you have this information, you can craft your ads and sales calls to what will resonate with these individuals. You’ll probably have more than one customer persona, so be sure to create one for every type of customer.

2. Learn About Your Customer’s Problems

You might be great at building products. The question is, do you know how to communicate the problem your product solves to your customers?

Try to set up meetings with potential customers to learn more about them and the problem that your product can solve. Even if you do have the answer, it has to be something that people are willing to pay for.

These conversations will help shape your messaging and optimize your product offering. You’ll be able to focus more on the more significant pain points to make a more compelling sales pitch.

3. Invest in CRM Software

If your sales team is doing its job, they will be in touch with many potential leads. The question is, what system do they have to keep track of these conversations?

CRM software is a system to organize and track your current and potential customers. Instead of coming up with makeshift organization systems, a CRM solution will keep all your company contacts in one place.

Doing this means you have one central place to view your sales progress. You can track communication, find social media accounts, and keep track of the personal information of your leads. This system will keep things organized and provide a better way for your sales team to work together.

4. Qualify Your Leads

It isn’t enough to have a lot of contacts in your sales pipeline. You don’t have an unlimited amount of time. It would be a waste for you to spend time on people that will never buy from your company.

You need a methodology to qualify the leads in your sales pipeline. Test your leads to see if there is a genuine interest in your products.

Ideally, you should have a list of questions for anyone that shows interest. These questions should be designed to disqualify people. You might not be able to create this list initially, but as time goes on, you should be able to figure out which people are most likely to buy.

5. Build a Blog

Making calls isn’t the only way to generate leads for your company. There are a countless number of searches every day on Google. If you want to put your website to work making sales, you need to start a blog.

You can start by researching the most common questions in your industry. Your goal is to create blog posts for these questions and provide the best answer to your readers.

Doing this will solidify your company as a leader in your industry. You want to show that you’re knowledgeable and can solve any problem a potential customer has.

6. Track Everything

You probably won’t have much data to make decisions on when you first start your business. Things change once you gain experience and have done more sales work.

Track as many data points about your business as you can during the sales process. This includes metrics from your website to the best talking points in sales calls.

When you quantify what works and doesn’t work with data, you’ll be able to make better decisions. You can track this in a spreadsheet or use a paid program designed to produce analytic reports.

7. Watch Your Competitors

The chances are that you aren’t in your industry by yourself. You probably have several competitors out there. It’s a mistake to ignore what they’re doing.

Keep an eye on their products and their marketing message. If you see a drastic change, they may have discovered something you haven’t yet. Investigate the change to see if it’s something you can take advantage of.

8. Work With a Lead Generation Company

Nobody knows your product like you and your team. In many cases, you’re the most qualified people to sell your product. This is both a good and a bad thing.

You have a limited amount of time to dedicate to selling when running a business. If you’re new, you might not have the budget to hire a dedicated sales force. A lead generation company can fill in this gap.

Lead generation companies know how to generate leads and can get up to speed on your products and services in no time. Sit down with one to learn their process so that you can figure out if this service is right for your business.

Keep Your Business Growing With Sales Lead Generation

You can’t afford to rest easy when you have a steady stream of clients. You never know when a disaster will happen that will cause you to bleed customers. Make the most of sales lead generation to make sure your customer pipeline is always full.

If you want to learn more about talking with potential customers, our blog will help. Read more of our articles to discover how to sell the solutions you’re offering to your customers.

Cryptocurrency continues to grow. It has gone from being a fad to a serious form of currency. Investing in cryptocurrency is becoming more popular than ever.

One thing many cryptocurrency investors need to invest in is a cryptocurrency wallet. Especially if you hold Bitcoin. Bitcoin remains the most valuable cryptocurrency on the market. As a result, it’s imperative that you keep your Bitcoin safe.

So how do you do this? You invest in the best Bitcoin wallet possible.

We’ve prepared this guide to help you decide on a Bitcoin wallet. 

Choosing The Best Bitcoin Wallet

Before you choose your Bitcoin wallet, make sure you are well-versed in how to invest in Bitcoin. We suggest reading up on more information on how to invest in Bitcoin and grow your portfolio.

Once you have accumulated a wealth of Bitcoins, you need to know about the criteria for a great Bitcoin wallet.

In short, it needs to be from a reputable brand, password-protection, and usability features.

Here are the best Bitcoin wallets that fit the bill.

1. Trezor Wallet

This is a versatile cryptocurrency wallet often favored by beginner investors. It works with Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems. The features include a password manager, two-factor authentication, and USB connectivity.

In addition to Bitcoin, it works with a variety of altcoins including Dash and Ethereum. These are small and lightweight and can easily be carried in your pocket or your travel bag.

They are on the pricier side (retailing at $169.99) but are well worth the investment. It is a very simple wallet to use and can be managed using the in-built software.

2. Ledger Nano S and X

This is one of the most popular cryptocurrency wallets available. One of the biggest advantages is that it can store over 1,000 different cryptocurrencies from Bitcoin to Ethereum to lesser-known altcoins. The list of supported cryptocurrencies continues to increase – making this wallet a preferred option for serious cryptocurrency investors.

Another great advantage is the affordability. The Nano S is $59 and the Nano X is $119 and has added security features.

All of your cryptocurrency data is stored offline. As a result, this wallet is not susceptible to cyberattacks. All you have to do is ensure that it doesn’t get lost or stolen. This is easy because it is small and lightweight and can fight on your person or in a small case. 

If you ever do lose your wallet, you have a pin code and a recovery phrase that can help you recover your cryptocurrency. The wallets are durable and made of stainless steel – making them difficult to get damaged.

3. KeepKey

If you are a beginner to investing in cryptocurrency and are on a budget, you want to consider the KeepKey. This is part of a family of crypto devices from popular crypto brand ShapeShift.

It retails for only $49 and can store over 40 cryptocurrencies including the most popular ones – from Bitcoin to Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Dash, Litecoin, and more. It comes with a pin code and a recovery phrase.

The pin code automatically changes from time to time, making it less susceptible to malware attacks. The wallet can be easily carried in your bag and connects to your ShapeShift account when you want to exchange cryptocurrencies. 

4. SecuX V20

This is an award-winning cryptocurrency wallet. It works with Mac OSX, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android operating systems. It can store over 1,000 different cryptocurrencies.

It is renowned for its military-grade security services. It comes with a color touchscreen where you can access each of your cryptocurrencies and see your portfolio.

It can be connected to your computer and mobile devices both via USB connection and Bluetooth. It’s also great if you are a merchant who wants to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency payments.

To secure the device, you can create a passcode. There is also a physical confirmation option to protect the security of your crypto portfolio. Additionally, the wallet can automatically generate long recovery phrases.

The great news is that with all its features, it is sold at an affordable price of $149. While not as popular as the other wallets, this is a great option for the seasoned cryptocurrency investor. If you are a merchant, you want to opt for this wallet for your business.

5. Coinbase

If you prefer web wallets over hardware wallets, you want to go for Coinbase. This is one of the most popular and reliable websites to buy, sell, and store your Bitcoin and numerous other cryptocurrencies.

Coinbase also comes with a mobile app where you can hold your cryptocurrency in a wallet. This wallet lets you receive and send cryptocurrency directly from the app.

There are fees associated with buying and selling cryptocurrency using Coinbase. However, its ease of use is what has made it popular. If you are a beginner to cryptocurrency investing or have a small portfolio, Coinbase is a great place to start.

6. Paper Wallets

This is not an advanced method, but it still popular with many crypto enthusiasts from amateur hobbyists to seasoned investors. Paper wallets require you to store the information of your cryptocurrency wallet (Public and Private key) onto a QR code.

Using a service such as Bitcoin Paper Wallet, you can print out a small receipt with a QR code. This QR code, when scanned, will access your cryptocurrency wallet. 

If you opt for a paper wallet, you need to make sure that the paper is kept safely. Keeping it in a locker is advisable. If it gets damaged or lost you may lose permanent access to your cryptocurrency. This is a great alternative to use with an existing cryptocurrency wallet – it should never be considered as a standalone option.

As a final note, we recommend trying at least two options for your Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This can include a mix of hardware, software, and paper wallets, or spreading your cryptocurrency to two or three different wallets of the same type.

Protect Your Bitcoin

Now that you know the different options available, you can choose the best Bitcoin wallet for your needs. Be sure to always keep your crypto secure. This is the currency of the future and you should treat it as you would treat cash.

Be sure to read more content on money and investing on our website.

Are you wondering how do options work? If that’s the case, this is a good place to start.

In premise, stock options are contracts that provide purchase/sale rights to the buyer. But that’s a very simple way to look at it.

In this article, we will cover stock options with greater depth, as well as provide ample examples of how they work.

So if that’s something you want to know, keep reading to learn more.

Fundamentals of Stock Options: How Do Options Work?

As mentioned earlier, a stock option is a type of contract that provides the buyer with the right to purchase/sell shares of a company at a specific price within a certain period of time.

To provide context, you are the “selling” stock option now. The person who will be buying the stock options from you will pay a premium. Depending on the type of option, the premium paid out provides the buyer the right to purchase or sell the stock. 

It’s always easier to do one of the two: buy or sell, but never both. If the buyer chooses to buy or sell a stock before the expiration date, the buyer will be exercising their option. 

And as the seller of the option, you keep the premium, whether or not they made use of their right to purchase stock. Now let’s take a look at some of the common option types.

The Call Option

A call option is a great way to develop stable cash flow, as well as reduce the cost basis for companies that a person already has stock in. 

In premise, a call option is a contract that provides the purchaser the right to buy stock or any other asset from the seller at a pre-determined price within a certain period of time.

How Do They Work?

The best way to understand call options is to make use of an analogy. For instance, you can think of it as a coupon that someone would take to a supermarket when buying their groceries at a lower price.

However, in the case of a call option, instead of taking a coupon from an advertising pamphlet, they would pay the supermarket a fee to have the coupon for themselves.

So the parties involved are the buyer and supermarket. The buyer of the coupon will retain the right to buy their grocery at a certain price. If the buyer chooses to make use of this right, the supermarket is obligated to sell them the product at that price.

Whether or not the buyer purchases the grocery, the supermarket will get to keep the fee that the buyer paid out for the coupon.

So if you bought a call option, you have the right to purchase underlying stock from the seller at the specific price during a specified time frame. If you are the seller, you are obligated to sell the stock at the specified price. 

The Put Option

The put option is basically the complete opposite of the call option. In this contract, the buyer buys the right to sell the stock to the seller at a pre-determined price within a specific time frame.

With a naked put, one does not need to short the underlying stock. When you sell your put option, you are willing to buy a stock at a price that is lower than that of which you are selling for currently.

While waiting for the price to get lower, you will earn some income, and when the price does come down, you will be happy to buy again at a lower price than sold.

How Do They Work?

The put option increases in value as the underlying stock and its price decreases. Selling naked puts is a great way to earn money when you are definitely sure of the value of the business.

However, the only problem with using naked puts currently is that you might have to buy the stock at greater prices than that of which you are selling your stock.

A put option becomes more valuable as the price of the underlying stock decreases.

For instance, XYZ is selling their stock for $40 a share. You like it at $30, so you sell an option for somebody to sell their stock at $30. They pay you $1 for the option. 

Then the stock starts tumbling down to $20. The option holder will require that you buy the stock at $30. 

And because of the option, you are obligated to do so, so you’re stuck for 30% devaluation. 

Buying Stocks vs Trading Options

You purchase and sell options on an exchange, similar to how you would purchase and sell stocks regularly. However, there are some very distinct differences that are worth noting. 

For instance, the main difference between the two is that stocks will provide you with minuscule ownership of the company, while an option is simply a contract that provides you with buy/sell rights upon a stock.

Another difference is that option trades are not great for the long-term, and as many investors vividly speak out about stock, they mention that if you buy stocks, you should plan to hold on to them.

By the merits of their character, options are risky. However, the market will establish exactly how much risk is involved. In any case, you simply need to find trading strategies that work.

Stock Reviewed

We’ve answered the question of “how do options work?” so, now, you are well on your way to try making use of them if you deem so appropriate. In any case, it’s your money and your risk, so do what you must.

If you’re interested in similar articles, feel free to check out the rest of our finance-related categories.

We hear a lot about startups today. Entrepreneurship is on the rise, and every ambitious person is eager to introduce their startup to the world.

But have you ever heard of stealth startups?

These are startups that are working on a product or service while maintaining secrecy. They only wish to announce the product/service once it is ready to be sold to the public.

This business model has many benefits and is something you might want to consider for your startup.

We’ve prepared this guide to help you understand everything you need to know about stealth startups.

Here’s What to Know About Stealth Startups

Before reading further, make sure you find a way to find capital for your startup. Stealth startups depend on capital contribution. We suggest you read up on what is capital contribution to understand how it helps stealth startups.

Here’s what else you need to know:

1. Intellectual Property

One of the major reasons why a startup decides to opt for stealth mode is because it wants to protect its intellectual property. If you have a great idea for a product/service and want to make sure another company doesn’t steal it, you need to protect your intellectual property.

Keeping your startup in stealth mode ensures that the public doesn’t know about your creation until it is launched and protected under the law. This business model would want for patent approval instead of launching a product with ‘patent pending’ status.

2. Working Anonymously

There are huge benefits to working anonymously. When you run a stealth startup, you and your team can quietly work on projects without the scrutinizing eye of the media.

You don’t have to worry about skepticism, criticism, or any erroneous input from others. You can just focus on working. 

Many teams within stealth startups find it especially peaceful and productive to work anonymously. You’ll find that your team will likely work more efficiently and achieve better results.

3. Better Relationship With the Press

When you are running a stealth startup, you have a better relationship with the press. As you aren’t under the watchful eye of the press, you can choose to avoid them entirely.

Or, you can strike up a relationship with press outlets of your choice. You can reach out to journalists, publications, and other media outlets of your choice and provide them with updates on your startup.

You can give these media outlets exclusive information and exclusive rights to publish content on your startup. This way, you can choose to only work with media outlets that you trust and are credible.

4. The Next Big Thing

Once you start announcing your startup to the world, you can gain traction faster than a normal startup. If a startup is announced without a product/service being announced, it creates an air of mystery.

In the mind of the public, your startup will be offering ‘the next big thing.’ Think about it: if you watch a short teaser of a film, it often creates more intrigue than a two-minute trailer that shows more details of the film.

If you come across a well-designed website that states “COMING SOON” on the homepage, you are likely to be more curious about what the website will offer. In other words, less is more.

With a stealth startup, you can be as inconspicuous as you wish about what your startup will offer. That will generate hype for your startup and is likely to generate a high level of sales when you do finally launch your product/service.

5. But…The Hype May Fail

Of course, a stealth startup has its cons. One of the biggest fears of stealth startups is that the company might get overhyped.

At first, you will create the air of mystery around your brand. But if your brand gets overhyped, your potential customers might lose interest once the product/service is launched. There is also the possibility that your product/service will fail. 

If it does, your customers may not give you a second chance. When normal startups launch, they can improve their product/service after hearing customer feedback.

However, if your customers feel they have been let down from the hype, you might not get feedback at all, and they might be reluctant to give you a second chance.

6. Lack of Market Input

Another major disadvantage of stealth startups is that you won’t have a market input. That means that you won’t have a selected group of consumers who can test your product/service before it launches.

Many startups like to offer their product/service to a select group of consumers before launching it to the public. These consumers will give you honest feedback to determine what changes to make to the product/service.

If you are confident in your product, should only then can you consider going with the stealth startup route.

7. Needs A Firm Market

If you decide to launch a stealth startup, you need to make sure that you have a firm market. That means that you know there is a customer base for what you have to offer. To do this, look at the trends in the market. For example, if electric cars such as Tesla are selling well, this opens up opportunities for more electric car companies.

You can also do your research beforehand. Reach out to an audience with surveys and questionnaires – asking them if they would be interested in your potential product/service.

If you find that there is a demand for what you will offer, then you can opt for a stealth startup. Then you know that there will at least be an initial interest in your product/service when you launch it. You know that the hype will be worth it as the market already exists.

Launch Your Startup

Now that you know everything there is to know about stealth startups, you can decide whether it is right for your business idea. Make sure to do your research, find your funding, and find the right people to launch the next big thing!

If you want to learn more about running a business, check out more great content on our website.