5 Unconventional B2B Lead Generation Sources to Find Your Next Prospect

Let’s face it—b2b lead generation can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But it doesn’t have to feel like that. Sure, the tried-and-tested methods work, but they’re also what everyone else is doing. So, how do you stand out and find leads that others aren’t tapping into?

Think outside the box and explore less conventional ways to uncover your next high-value prospect. Forget the old “spray and pray” approach—it’s time to get creative.

Here are 5 unconventional ways to find your next high-value prospect. These aren’t your typical strategies – they’re proven, creative, and surprisingly effective.

Top 5 Unconventional ways for B2B Lead Generation

1. Reddit and other niche communities 

Online communities are often overlooked but can be goldmines for lead generation. These are a treasure trove for connecting with niche audiences. Instead of just lurking, start engaging. 

Platforms like Reddit allow you to join discussions, answer questions, and build trust with potential leads in niche communities. Join subreddits where your prospects hang out, answer their questions, and share helpful tips.

For example, if you’re in SaaS sales, look for subreddits like r/SaaS or r/Sales. But here’s the thing—don’t sell. Seriously, nobody likes a hard pitch. Focus on building trust. Once you’ve done that, people naturally gravitate toward your expertise.

You can also explore Slack channels dedicated to specific industries or Quora threads where you can provide insightful answers. People remember helpful advice.

Why this source?

The trust factor. Prospects are more likely to engage with communities they see as valuable. 

Pro Tip💡: Consider running a Q&A session (like an AMA) to get noticed. It’s a subtle way to show authority without being overly promotional.

2. Your own branded community

This is an extension of the above point. 

Imagine having a space where your target audience actively engages with you, trusts your advice, and even refers others to join. That’s the power of a branded community—it’s not just a lead generation tool but a relationship-building powerhouse.

Why this source?

People gravitate toward communities that solve their problems and make them feel heard. Building a branded space isn’t just about gaining leads; it’s about creating loyal advocates who champion your brand. So, what’s stopping you from starting yours?

Steps to Start Your Community

If you’re convinced, then the next question would be – so, how do I create one? Let’s break it down.

1️⃣ Identify your audience’s interests and struggles.

Are they struggling with optimizing their sales processes? Do they need actionable tips for lead generation? Pinpoint what keeps them up at night.

2️⃣ Pick your platform.

This could be a Slack group, a private forum on your website, or even a niche subreddit. Choose where your audience already hangs out or where you can foster meaningful conversations.

3️⃣ Deliver consistent value.

Share exclusive tips, host live Q&A sessions, or provide free resources. People will stay if they feel they’re getting something they can’t find elsewhere.

4️⃣ Engage authentically.

Respond to questions, spark discussions, and make it about them—not you. This creates trust and positions your brand as a go-to resource in your industry.

Pro tip💡: Host AMAs, webinars, etc. exclusively for your community members. When done right, it will become a self-sustaining ecosystem, where members refer others, and your pipeline grows organically.

3. Your website visitors

Have you ever wondered who’s visiting your website but not filling out a form? Tools like Factors.ai, and Clearbit can identify anonymous web visitors and provide insights about their company and behavior.

Why this source?

Because it’s brilliant. You have people coming to your page, probably indicating that they are in the market for a tool like yours. You can figure out which companies are checking you out and what they’re interested in. Imagine reaching out to someone who’s already halfway sold because they’ve browsed your pricing page.

Here’s how it works: These tools match IP addresses to company databases, offering you a behind-the-scenes look at potential leads. With this information, you can create personalized outreach campaigns tailored to their interests.

With this intel, you can craft personalized messages tailored to their needs. Bonus? You’re starting the conversation on the right foot since they’ve already shown interest in your business.

Pro tip💡: Optimize your website with clear CTAs and lead magnets to encourage visitors to share their contact details directly.

4. Leverage Event and conference attendees 

Events and conferences are goldmines for uncovering potential leads—especially if you’re in the B2B space. Why? The attendees are often decision-makers or key influencers, actively seeking solutions, learning about trends, or networking within their industries.

Why this source? 

These individuals aren’t just casual participants. By showing up, they’ve signaled their interest in the event’s topic or niche. This means they’re likely already in the mindset to discover new tools, ideas, and partnerships.

How to Leverage Event Attendee Lists

💠 Start with official attendee lists.

Many conferences share a list of attendees or companies represented. If it’s publicly available or shared post-event, you have an immediate pool of warm prospects to work with.

💠 Engage before, during, and after the event.

• Before the event: Use social media to find attendees sharing their excitement about the conference. Initiate a conversation, comment on their posts, or schedule a coffee chat if you’re attending.
• During the event: Join breakout sessions or networking lounges to connect with them personally. A quick conversation can open doors to later discussions.
• After the event: Send personalized follow-ups. Mention something specific about the event to remind them of your connection.

💠 Target via social media.

If an attendee list isn’t available, scan hashtags or LinkedIn posts related to the event to identify participants. Tools like Eventbrite or Meetup also provide visibility into attendees for smaller gatherings.

Pro Tip💡: Partner With the Event

If you have the budget, become an exhibitor or sponsor. This often gives you access to premium attendee data, letting you get ahead in your outreach efforts.

5. Utilize AI-Powered Sales Engagement Tools (the right way!)

This b2b lead generation source per se is not unconventional. Everyone is using multiple tools available in the market. But let’s be real—just having a stack of tools isn’t enough. 

Many sales teams are piling up subscriptions, only to be disappointed when the results don’t match their expectations. Why? Because it’s not about the number of tools—it’s about using the right tools in the right way. 

Why this source?

It can save time and effort you’ll otherwise spend on manual b2b lead generation. 

But, what’s going wrong?

• Overwhelmed with too many tools that don’t work together seamlessly.
• Poor-quality data leading to wasted outreach efforts.
• Lack of personalization in outreach campaigns.
• Inefficient workflows that eat up valuable time.

The Right Way to Leverage AI in Lead Generation

This is where Salesgear comes in. Unlike juggling multiple tools, Salesgear simplifies and enhances your lead generation process with features that actually work.

Here’s how Salesgear helps you get it right

💠 Accurate Database: Say goodbye to bad leads! Salesgear provides a database of verified emails and phone numbers, ensuring you’re reaching real people.

💠 Built-In Warming: Boost your email deliverability so your messages land in inboxes, not spam folders.

💠 LinkedIn Automation: Automate your LinkedIn outreach with meaningful, human-like interactions—no spammy behavior here!

💠 Website Visitor Identification: Identify potential leads when they visit your site and engage them proactively.

💠 Smart Workflows: Automate repetitive tasks like follow-ups and data entry, giving you more time to focus on conversations that matter.

💠 Seamless Integrations: Connect with your favorite CRM or email tools effortlessly.

💠 Sequence Builder: Design custom email and LinkedIn sequences that match your tone and goals.

It isn’t just about providing you with tools—it’s about creating a system that works harmoniously. The accurate data ensures you’re starting with the right prospects. The automation features let you scale without losing the personal touch. And the integrations keep your workflows smooth and efficient.

When you stop relying on a scattered toolset and focus on a well-rounded solution like Salesgear, you’ll see real results. It’s about working smarter, not harder.

Pro Tip 💡: Personalization is key! No matter how great your tools are, your prospects won’t engage with generic messages. Use Salesgear’s insights to craft tailored outreach that feels genuine.

In the crowded space of AI tools, the ones that simplify, optimize, and deliver are what set you apart. Salesgear makes sure your lead generation efforts are effective, streamlined, and impactful.

Final thoughts on B2B lead generation

This process—b2b lead generation—doesn’t have to be a grind. Whether you’re engaging on Reddit, tapping into web visitor data, or automating outreach with AI, there’s no shortage of creative ways to grow your pipeline. The key is to stay curious and adaptable.

Here’s your challenge: pick one of these strategies and give it a shot. You might just stumble upon your best lead yet!