Remember that wonderful feeling you had when you first signed up to start your home based business, that flutter in your stomach as the excitement of a new opportunity was right there in front of you. Just like that, you had the chance to make great money, spend more time with family and have a residual income to support you for the rest of your life.

You passed out the flyers, you talked to friends and family members at social gatherings, and perhaps you even sponsored parties yourself. And now, a short time later you realize youve spent a lot of money resulting in little profit. Friends and family avoid you. Its no longer a creative game, its expensive.

What happened here? You did everything you were supposed to do, attended seminars and events and you have a great product. You were eager to tell friends what you had and you thought everyone would want it. But you are still spending more than you make.

Before you give up you may want to re-assess the approach you have taken so far. There are many options for lead generation that are both a lot less expensive, and with modern technology, in many cases are even more effective then traditional methods.

Here are three of the ways to look for leads that you may not have tried yet:

Networking events

As unemployment rates climb more individuals are searching for a way to make money. They are more open-minded about listening to your plan. Check out your area on the internet and find networking events so you can meet these people. Most neighborhoods have events like these nearly every week “ people come to sell something or to find a job. Become friendly with the people who attend and find out how you can assist them before you hold up your product or service as their great opportunity. Chances are you will succeed in an association that is built on friendliness and helpfulness and that will increase your opportunities. Dont try to oversell your product.

Social Networks

You can expand your business by using social networking sites on the internet in the same way you use local events. This is a rapidly expanding part of the internet, so lots of people are joining. Behave in the same way you would if you were talking to the person at a local event “ be friendly and helpful before you jump in with your pitch. If they think you are just an MLMer wanting to sell something they will be gone in a flash. It will be more enjoyable for you, too, if you spend the extra time to get to know someone. They will eventually bite if you earn their confidence and esteem and they can see how the business would benefit them, too.

Other Internet Tools

While social networking is part of the internet, there are a lot of additional tools that are very effective to help you grow you prospect base without spending a lot of money as well. In some cases you can make money as well by using tools such as eBooks and webinars to attract people to your business. This process is commonly referred to as attraction marketing and works very much on the same principals as described above, by providing information and support before asking for anything. This way you can help to build a relationship that will increase your credibility and improve your odds of getting a person to join your team.

In all three examples above, the main key is to make yourself into a person who will give as much or more than they get so that the lead trusts you before you attempt to sell something. Don’t pretend, actually be that way. If you have a good product, people who are treated in a helpful and friendly manner will begin to come to you for it and you will be successful.