What Are Lead Stages, and Why Do They Matter?

In Episode 62 of Call The Damn Leads, host Drewbie Wilson breaks down the five essential lead stages every sales pro must master to keep their pipeline full and their commissions flowing. If you've ever felt like you're spinning your wheels, unsure who to call or when to follow up, this episode is for you.

By organizing your leads into clear stages—new, hot, warm, cold, and current customers—you’ll streamline your sales process, increase conversions, and close more deals faster.

Whether you’re just starting in sales or looking to fine-tune your CRM strategy, Drewbie’s no-BS approach to lead management and follow-up will change the way you sell forever.

About the Episode:

Drewbie dives deep into lead stages—what they are, why they matter, and how to stop letting opportunities slip through the cracks.

He shares:
✅ The five key lead stages and how to categorize your prospects correctly
✅ How to nurture leads at every stage for higher conversions
✅ The biggest mistakes salespeople make when managing leads
✅ A simple follow-up strategy that guarantees more closed deals

If you’re serious about making more money in sales, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways

1. New Leads: Speed Wins Deals

• A lead is any contact point—name, phone number, email, or social media profile.

• The first 30 days are crucial for engagement.

• The faster you call, text, or DM, the higher your chances of closing.

• Your goal? Verify their info, gauge interest, and qualify.

2. Hot Leads: The Money is on the Line

• You’ve built rapport, identified a need, and made an offer—but they haven’t pulled the trigger yet.

• They’re stuck on one of three main objections:

1. Money – They need to find the budget.

2. Time – They need to figure out when to start.

3. Decision – They’re waiting on a spouse, boss, or partner.

• Daily follow-up is key—don't assume they’ll wait for you!

3. Warm Leads: Play the Long Game

• These leads aren’t ready yet, but they will be someday.

• Your job? Educate, entertain, and nurture.

• Implement a 90- to 180-day follow-up sequence to stay top of mind.

• If you let them go cold, someone else will swoop in and close them when the time is right.

4. Cold Leads: There’s Gold in the Old

• Some prospects ghost you, stall, or disappear—but that doesn’t mean they’re dead.

• Re-engagement campaigns and periodic check-ins can bring them back to life.

• Set aside one hour per week to call cold leads—there’s always money hiding in the old list.

5. Current Customers: Your Easiest Sales

• Your best leads are the people who’ve already paid you.

• Upsells, cross-sells, and referrals can double or triple your revenue.

• Implement a system for checking in regularly and offering additional solutions.

• A simple call to past clients can unlock thousands in new business.

Listener Challenge

💥 Implement Drewbie’s Lead Stages system for 30 days:
✅ Organize your leads into clear stages in your CRM
✅ Follow up with hot leads daily—don’t assume they’ll wait for you
✅ Nurture warm leads with value-driven emails and social touches
✅ Revisit cold leads weekly—there’s always money in the old list
✅ Leverage current clients—ask for referrals and upsell when it makes sense

💬 Share your progress! Tag @callthedamnleads on social media and let Drewbie know how this system is working for you!

Call The Damn Leads

“By sales professionals, for sales professionals.” Each week, Drewbie Wilson, a sales vet with 20+ years in the game, brings you humor, real-world stories, and powerful strategies to help you excel in your sales career.

Expect a wild mix of:

• Real Sales Stories: Tales that entertain and inspire

• Proven Tactics: Practical tips for boosting your sales game

• Humor and Energy: Fun takes on the ups and downs of sales life

• Expert Advice: Learn from seasoned pros across different fields

Whether you’re in sales, an entrepreneur, or just looking to grow your business skills, don’t miss out on these invaluable lessons and entertaining stories. Want to be a guest? Pitch your story at https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast.

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