Outsourcing a firm's lead generation telemarketing business can be more effective than attempting to set up an in-house sales team, it has been suggested.

According to Telemarketing Matters, sales outsourcing is a "more efficient" alternative that can save businesses time as well as help generate new business, the Cambridge Network reports.

The firm stated that lead generation is "among the most important and invaluable services" that telemarketing agencies can offer to businesses looking to increase the quantity of their clients.

However, the company also warned of the importance of converting leads into actual sales, urging firms looking to improve their lead generation to make an "informed choice" when choosing their outsourcing partner.

In related news, Starr Tincup recently noted that good communication and setting clear goals are crucial for a company looking to boost their lead generation.

The company argued that firms should expect approximately 20 per cent of first meetings to be converted into new deals.

Written by Julian Poulter and Copyright "Selling People 2009"