Don't Ignore the "Small Boy": How to Turn Every Lead into a Future Client

Weve all been there. You're busy running your business, paying rent, and managing clients when a message slides into your DM: "Hello."In Nigeria, its common to see people cut these conversations short or be rude if they think the person is a "small boy" without money. But here is the truth: how you handle these "unqualified" leads determines the future growth of your business.In my latest episode, I break down a live case study of a lead who reached out to me about generators. Even though Im a sales coach and business consultant, not a generator salesman, I used my "Discovery and Qualification" process to help him and save myself hours of useless chatting.Here are my three golden rules for navigating these conversations:1. Pick Up the Phone: Stop the endless back-and-forth on WhatsApp. A five-minute call is worth five hours of texting. It allows you to feel the person out and understand their actual needs.2. Money Conversations Early and Often: Don't wait three weeks to find out someone can't afford you. Use the "Range Technique." Give them a price range (e.g., "This project usually falls between 3 to 4 million Naira") and ask for their feedback. Their response tells you everything you need to know about the quality of the lead. 3. Be a Helpful Resource, Not a Snob: Just because someone isn't a "qualified buyer" today doesn't mean they won't be tomorrow. Small boys of yesterday become big boys of tomorrow. If you can't help them, refer them to someone who can.Stop sending price lists with 20 options that just confuse people. Engage, qualify, and treat everyone with respect because they are made in the image and likeness of God