I’ve had a lot of conversations with business owners about how to grow their businesses, and it’s always interesting to see what they focus on.

Some people dive straight into complex marketing strategies, yet completely ignore the basics that actually bring in leads.

The Enthusiastic Business Owner Who Lost His Leads

A while ago, I talked to a business owner who ran a bike rental business in a tourist-heavy city. At first, business was great—walk-in customers, tourists looking for a quick and fun way to explore the city, and partnerships with a few local hotels kept the rentals moving.

But after the peak season ended, reality hit: Where do the next customers come from?

At first, he was getting rentals from foot traffic and hotel referrals, but beyond that, he had no structured referral system, no lead capture, and no way to re-engage past customers.

I am not an expert in the tourism industry, but the fundamentals of lead generation are the same in every business.

• Define the ideal client. Are you targeting solo travelers, families, or corporate outings? Which group is most profitable?
• Make their experience unforgettable, so they naturally refer others.
• Think of it like a marathon race—people love reliving their best experiences. Take high-quality photos of customers riding in scenic spots and send them afterward, so they share them online. This turns them into free marketing.
• If you want a faster reach, work with local influencers or travel blogs to promote your service to the right audience.

But no matter how you approach marketing, the basics never change:

✔ Track every step of the funnel. If you don’t measure it, you can’t improve it.
✔ Have systems in place. Leads should never be lost because there was no follow-up.
✔ Start from your closest circle of influence. Work up a referral system before scaling.

Most Business Owners Ignore the Easiest Lead-Generating Actions

1. They don’t capture lead details properly.

• No CRM, no organized system—just scattered notes, lost numbers, and missed opportunities.
• Even a spreadsheet is fine, as long as it’s used, updated, and tracks the point of contact.

2. They don’t ask for referrals.

• Your friends, neighbors, and current clients are your best lead sources.
• If someone loves your service, they know someone else who would too—but you have to ask.

3. They don’t post and share their own content.

• If you’re not talking about your business, why would anyone else?
• A simple story, a case study, or a customer success story is enough to bring new interest.

4. They don’t follow up properly.

• A lead comes in, and instead of reaching out fast, they let it sit.
• Speed matters, the first business to respond usually wins.

5. They don’t track what actually works.

• If you’re not measuring how many leads convert, you’re just guessing.
• Every step in the funnel should have clear data to track its success.

“Instead of Being Smart, Be Clear”

My friend Colm always says:
“Instead of being smart, be clear.”

This is where most small business owners overcomplicate things. They think of creating some kind of massive brand identity when they should just aim for being clear on their message.

Take this IKEA ad I saw recently. It’s smart, but IKEA already has brand trust. If you saw the same ad from an unknown brand, you would maybe smile, but you would never remember the company but maybe remember to buy a bed for your kid and go to IKEA.

For most businesses, clear beats clever.

✔ Tell people exactly what you offer.
✔ Make it easy for them to contact you.
✔ Follow up.

That’s it.

Most businesses don’t need better marketing. They need better execution.

3 Quick Questions

1. Do you have a system in place to capture and follow up on leads, or are you relying on chance?
2. Are you leveraging your existing clients and network for referrals, or are you always chasing new leads?
3. Are you tracking what actually works, or just hoping that your marketing efforts pay off?

Getting leads isn’t complicated. But ignoring the basics is the biggest mistake you can make.

After more than 2,000 consultations, I’ve come to understand that sales is about building trust, solving problems, and ultimately, helping people. Sales is not “closing” prospects.

For a salesperson honing his craft or a business owner trying to grow, sales is a skill that can transform your career, your business, and even your relationships.

Here’s what I’ve learned that I believe will help you, no matter where you are in your sales journey.

1. People Don’t Always Know What They Need

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that clients don’t always know what they need, or even what they want. This is where a great salesperson becomes more than just a salesperson; they become a coach.

Henry Ford famously said, “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” People couldn’t imagine something like the car because they were focused on improving what they already knew. Similarly, Steve Jobs didn’t ask people if they wanted a computer with a screen or a mouse, he showed them what was possible.

In sales, your job is to help people see beyond their immediate perspective. Many of my clients come in thinking they need to “lose a bit of weight” or “get a little fitter,” but they don’t realize what they truly need is to transform their habits, eliminate chronic pain, and build strength that will serve them for life. They come with a problem they can identify, but it’s up to me to guide them to the solution they didn’t even know was possible.

By listening deeply and understanding what truly drives them, you can help clients get better results faster. And when they achieve outcomes they didn’t even know were possible, they’ll not only feel grateful, they’ll become your biggest advocates.

2. Sales is a Skill…You Need to Practice It!

Like playing the piano or lifting weights, sales requires consistent practice. You don’t start with the hardest tasks or the biggest deals on day one. Just like a beginner pianist starts with simple pieces or a lifter begins with lighter weights, you build your sales ability over time.

Sales has many components that require mastery:

• Understanding clients and their motivations.
• Understanding your product and how it delivers value.
• Anticipating how your product impacts more than just the immediate client. I can be downstream effects on other customers, your staff, or your business operations.

If you have a team, it’s critical to create opportunities for them to practice sales as well. Sales isn’t just for “salespeople.” It’s a transferable skill that applies across every department and industry. A great HR person, for instance, uses sales skills to connect with candidates and communicate company values. Similarly, in finance or procurement, strong sales skills can lead to better long-term outcomes for contracts, budgets, and partnerships.

The more you practice, the more leverage you create. With experience, you’ll be able to build trust faster, communicate more effectively, and deliver results with less effort. And over time, you’ll find yourself becoming a leader, someone others look up to because you’ve mastered the art of understanding and helping people.

3. Active Listening is Your Best Sales Tool

The best salespeople don’t talk the most, they listen the best. When you ask the right questions and really hear what your client is saying, you build trust and uncover the insights you need to help them.

Every consultation should be about them, not you. What are their goals? What’s holding them back? What’s their vision of success? When you listen, you show them that their needs come first, which is the foundation of any successful sale.

4. Clarity Beats Pressure Every Time

If a client doesn’t move forward, it’s often because they don’t fully understand the value or the process. A confused mind always says no.

I’ve found that breaking things down into simple, actionable steps is key. For example, in consultations, I make it crystal clear what the first 12 weeks will look like, what results they can expect, and how we’ll help them achieve those results. This removes uncertainty and gives them confidence.

5. Objections Are Opportunities

Objections aren’t the end of the conversation, they’re just the beginning of a deeper one. When someone raises an objection, they’re giving you a chance to address their concerns and provide more clarity.

For example, when a client says, “I don’t have the time,” I explore what’s really behind that. Often, it’s about priorities or feeling overwhelmed. By showing how my program fits into their life, I can help them see a solution instead of a roadblock.

6. Sales is About Long-Term Wins

Sales is about building lasting relationships and trust. Every consultation, every follow-up, and every small interaction adds up over time.

This long-term perspective applies to every industry and role. Whether you’re negotiating contracts in procurement or managing budgets in finance, the principles are the same. Great sales skills lead to solutions that benefit everyone involved, creating long-term wins for both you and your clients.

Over time, this approach compounds. As you gain trust, proof, and confidence, you’ll also gain leverage. You’ll get more deals, move them faster, inspire others, and create a ripple effect of success throughout your team or business.

My Challenge to You – THE TRICKS!

If you’re looking to improve, ask yourself:

• Are you listening more than you’re talking? – Record yourself if you are uncertain!
• Are you helping clients see what they truly need, not just what they think they want?
• Are you building long-term wins, not just short-term results? Look at your 5 last clients!

The beauty of sales is that it’s a skill anyone can learn. And when you master it, you unlock opportunities that extend far beyond the sales floor.