So it would be so simple if the phones just rang off the hook, filled with customers and net new prospects with a PO in hand, ready to buy, and your demand generation teams just had to pick up the phone and keep track of those PO numbers.
If you are that lucky, I would highly suggest that you play the Lotto.
For most everyone else, high volume/high quality lead generation is just not that easy.
However, before you set your plans up to generate all this volume of terrific leads, have you asked yourself, or more importantly, your sales teams, what makes a great lead?
A classic way is to identify BANT - budget, authority, need, timeframe. Sure, folks may call these items different things - but ultimately it comes down to these four items. The order of "BANT", in my opinion, is a bit misleading....but the acronym is not as easy on the tongue. I prefer the order of NABT.
Since this blog is "The KISS Principle of Lead Generation", your first KISS question is "What makes a great lead - for your team?"
So glad that you've decided to share your insights on this topic.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right - identifying the need first is key. Maybe it is a change in perspective for lead gen/acct development experts to start thinking more long term - while need may precede budget - budget will appear at some point if the authority is there - the successful vendor that strives to be flexible, consultative and invest in a trusted advisor role over time likely won't have to compete in an rfp when the elusive $$ finally appears.
So great to see you out and writing, I enjoy reading the insights peers have to offer.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of your comments and certainly agree that "need" is probably the most important component to that equation. Having been a recipient of such leads, I would also add that there is often more to the "need" than first catches the eye. We are programmed (human nature) to respond to the question which is asked, or in this case the need that is articulated, versus taking a step back and asking "why" or "what for". Seldom does the project only involve one "need" and often times the end solution varies greatly from the initial purpose.
@Cheryl - i plan to cover the idea of "Trusted Advisor" in a future post.
ReplyDelete@Steve - totally agree with you. I think that you've prompted me to delve into that idea a bit more!