You are at your favorite restaurant. As you approach the cashier you notice a fish bowl on the counter with a sign begging you to deposit your business card in hopes of winning a prize. You may have even deposited your business card.

OK, so here’s a new twist! Get some publicity! Obtain leads! YOU provide the fish bowl and the prize at your favorite eating establishment.

Now, before you think that this is the corniest thing that you have ever heard—and YOU would NEVER consider using this lead generation method (that’s OK too)—stop and think how many times you have been in restaurants with fish bowls sitting on the counter. There MUST be some reason they are collecting business cards, right?

So, here’s how it works:

1. Call the owner of your favorite eatery and see if you could "sponsor" the prize—free lunch at the restaurant!

2. Split the value of the lunch with the owner—in exchange for giving the owner a list of the business cards that are collected.

3. The sign on the bowl reads that the "FREE LUNCH" is sponsored by you—your name and your mortgage company with your phone number.

4. Once a week, collect the business cards and choose a winner for your contest.

5. In choosing the winner, it does not have to be a random drawing—with your eyes closed-choose someone who you feel would be a great lead—it may be a corporate contact, a human resource person, or a past client!

6. Make the phone call and let them know that they have won a free lunch, compliments of you and tell them that you will be sending a coupon along with some information on your services. Ask if there is something you can help them with.

Now, what should you do with the rest of the business cards?

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