Here's the "Lead-Generation Formula" i used for some months on ebay in numbered order:

1. Create an e-book educating people about your product or service. 2. Create a report that's a mini version of the complete book you're really selling. 3. List the mini e-book on eBay in the appropriate categories at a nominal opening bid. 4. Collect the money at the end of the auction. 5. Deliver the e-book to the winning bidders. 6. Collect the "qualified" leads and get them to opt-in to your mailing list. 7. Follow-up with them to sell them your real book or service. 8. Continue to follow up offering related products and/or services or special offers.

This technique works for other items too, not just service businesses and e-books.

* Do you have a sample of your merchandise that you can auction for $1.00? * Do you have a low-priced item that can be auctioned for less than $5?

Apply the steps above, using the sample or low-priced item instead of an e-book. The only thing to remember here is that you'll now need to account for the cost to ship the item to the winning bidder(s).

When done correctly, eBay (and any online auction site) can be set up as a "lead generation machine" for your business. The key to success is to follow through and effectively use these leads to build a loyal customer base.

If you do not have an ebook to sell, just do a Google search and you will find tons of good ebooks you can get resale right for.