Author: puneet

Top 5 Ways To Close Deals Faster With SBA Loan Leads

Getting a lead is one thing, but closing the deal is when the real work happens. If you’re working with SBA loan leads or cash advance leads, speed matters as much as strategy. Businesses looking for funding don’t like waiting around, and the longer you take to target, the colder the lead gets. 

Here are five ways you can make that happen faster and more effectively.

  1. Respond Right Away

This sounds basic, but it’s one of the biggest reasons most deals fall apart. A fast response makes a strong first impression. Ideally, you should reach out within 5–10 minutes of receiving a lead. 

Setting up instant alerts or even automated introductory texts can save you precious time if you can’t respond immediately. Speed shows professionalism and often puts you ahead of competitors who are slower to act.

  1. Understand Their Situation Before Pitching

Not all SBA loan leads are the same. Some business owners could face an emergency and require money immediately. Others could be planning an expansion down the line. Ask a few basic questions about their business and funding objectives.

Knowing whether they’re looking for a quick cash solution or something bigger helps you offer the right product, whether an SBA loan or a cash advance. Listening first makes your pitch land better.

  1. Keep Your Pitch Clear and Focused

You risk losing the prospect’s attention when you start throwing around complicated numbers or lengthy explanations. Instead, concentrate on three things:

  • What can you provide
  • How quickly can you get it done
  • What are the terms

Be transparent about approval times and funding amounts. Most business owners prefer honest communication over glittery promises they can’t trust.

2. Use CRM Systems for Efficient Follow-Up 

A good CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system helps you track every interaction with your leads and existing customers and schedule follow-ups. CRM dialers can help you optimize your call flow to stay in touch when it counts and synchronize this process with the rest of the sales flow. 

These systems can also provide insights into client preferences and behaviors, enabling you to customize your approach and address specific needs.

3. Work with Quality Leads

You can have the world’s greatest pitch, but if the leads are not serious about funding, you’re wasting your time. That’s why you should buy SBA loan leads from reputable sources, such as Merchant Financing Leads. Our first step is always to see if your prospects are qualified. 

Good leads usually mean the business owner is actively seeking funding, has the right credit profile, and is ready to move forward soon. Better leads naturally lead to faster and smoother deals.

In short, closing deals faster doesn’t mean rushing people into a decision. It’s about being available, understanding their needs, keeping your offer clear, and following up smartly. When you combine these habits with high-quality SBA loan leads and cash advance leads, you’ll find yourself closing more deals. 

Collaborate with us and start working with the top leads right now!

Top 5 Proven Strategies To Convert MCA Trigger Leads Into Real Clients

When someone starts actively searching for funding, every moment counts—and that is where MCA trigger leads stand. These prospects have already proven their interest in the form of credit inquiries, online search queries, or any other financial activity. They need to be converted with a calculated strategy that establishes trust and effectively proves value.

The value of such leads is high, but dawdling often results in losing them to competitors. Using the correct strategies can significantly enhance conversion rates. The following are five tested strategies to convert more merchant trigger leads into long-term clients.

1. Respond Quickly
Time is crucial when dealing with MCA trigger leads. The earlier you follow up after generating a lead, the higher the chances of connecting with them. Try to reach out to leads within 24-hours to indicate that you are keen and ready to help. This quick action can make you stand out among competitors who wait before following up.

  • Use real-time notifications to connect your sales team with leads within minutes, not hours.
  • Create templated messages for calls, emails, and texts to be efficient while staying professional.
  • Track response times—the research indicates that reaching out to a lead in five minutes can significantly improve the chances of converting.

2. Personalize Your Approach
Each lead is unique, so tailor your approach accordingly. Study each lead’s needs and tailor your message accordingly. Use relevant references to their business or situation to demonstrate your ability to provide a tailored funding solution. Aligning your message with their goals can enhance its effectiveness and increase the likelihood of a positive response.

  • Research each trigger lead’s industry and type of business before contact.
  • Use relevant information in early interactions to demonstrate understanding of their requirements.
  • Tailor communication style according to the profile and history of the lead.

3. Use Social Proof
When people realize that many others have had a positive experience with your MCA services, they trust them more. Share satisfied clients’ testimonials, case studies, or success stories to establish credibility. Showing real examples of your previous clients can give them more confidence in taking that next step with you.

  • Share industry-specific financial tips relevant to the lead’s business.
  • Explain common funding options and considerations in clear, simple terms.
  • Offer a no-obligation review of their funding situation.

4. Offer Exclusive Promotions
Everyone loves a good bargain, and providing special offers can be an excellent method to turn merchant trigger leads into customers. Think about offering limited-time discounts or special deals to generate a sense of urgency. These rewards can encourage leads to act fast and select your services over others. Make sure that the offers are easy to understand to avoid confusion.

  • Space out follow-ups correctly over seven to ten days.
  • Alternate methods of communication from phone calls, emails, and text messages.
  • Bring something new and relevant to each contact.

5. Consistent Follow-Up
Converting leads requires persistence. So, don’t get discouraged when a lead does not respond immediately. Plan follow-ups via direct mail, phone calls, or SMS at several contact points. Your messages should be precise, short, and focused on how your services can fulfill the needs. Periodic and respectful reminders may also linger in their minds and result in few conversions.

  • Describe MCA funding terms clearly.
  • Disclose any relevant fees and repayment terms upfront.
  • Focus on company testimonials and case studies.

To conclude, turning MCA trigger leads into actual clients requires a combination of fast responses, tailored communication, and well-planned follow-up. These strategies can boost conversion rates and build long-term customer relationships. If you need high-quality leads to get started, Merchant Financing Leads is ready to help.

How to Follow Up on MCA Direct Mail Leads for Maximum Conversions?

Getting someone’s attention through direct mail is a solid first step—but what happens after that counts. A lot of MCA businesses send out thousands of mailers hoping to get a bite, but the truth is, the real conversion occurs in the follow-up. That’s where many either make it or miss it. So, if you’re sitting on a list of MCA direct mail leads and wondering what to do next, here’s a clear path to getting more responses and better conversions.

What is MCA Direct Mail?
MCA direct mail is all about reaching out to potential leads or businesses that may require quick cash but aren’t actively looking for it online. You’re reaching them directly at their place of business, so it feels personal and difficult to ignore.

But sending direct mail is only half the job. Most recipients won’t respond right away. That’s why what you do next—your follow-up—can either spark interest or let the lead go cold.

Six Ways to Follow Up on MCA Direct Mail Leads
 Following up with MCA direct mail leads is critical for turning interest into actionable outcomes. A timely and targeted approach can significantly increase your chances of receiving a response.

Here are some crucial tactics for engaging with potential clients once your mailer has been sent:

1 Follow Up Promptly
Timing is critical. Aim to follow up 24 to 48 hours after your mailer is likely received. This keeps your offer at the forefront of the recipient’s mind and demonstrates that you are detail-oriented. If you delay following up, you risk losing opportunities because prospects might move on or forget your offer.

2. Personalize Your Communication
Messages without specific content are typically dismissed. Incorporate the recipient’s name and mention key points from your original mailer. For example, if your mailer included a limited-time discount, refer to this in your follow-up. Personalization shows effort and demonstrates that you took the time to understand their wants, and the communication becomes far more captivating.

3. Offer Clear and Compelling Incentives
Make sure your follow-up contains a clear call to action. Whether booking a consultation or viewing your website, make the following actions clear. Including incentives such as limited-time discounts or exclusive deals can encourage recipients to act quickly. Creating a sense of urgency promotes faster answers.

4.Utilize Multiple Channels
Make sure you learn about the other means of communication, too. Follow up with emails, phone calls, or even social media messages. Since everyone has their preferred communication method, diversifying how you reach out will always yield better results in triggering engagement.

5. Track and Analyze Your Results
It is crucial to measure the effectiveness of your follow-up methods. Track responses with tools like unique phone numbers or landing pages. Studying this data gives insight into what does well and what does not, so adjust strategy for continued success.

6. Be Persistent but Respectful
It’s important to follow up but avoid overwhelming your prospects. If you haven’t received a response, consider reaching out a couple more times with additional value or information. However, always respect their time and preferences. Persistence shows dedication, but it should never cross into annoyance.

Effective follow-up on MCA direct mail campaigns requires timely, personalized, multi-channel communication, clear incentives, and consistent tracking. Implementing these strategies can boost conversion rates and strengthen client relationships. Ready to boost your MCA pipeline with qualified leads?

Get in touch today and start turning prospects into funded deals.

How Can MCA Providers Tap into the Demand for Essential Business Loans?

The essential business loans are in high demand, and the MCA providers can capitalize on this successfully. Small businesses often require immediate capital to address cash flow needs like payroll, inventory, and unplanned expenses. MCA providers who target leads for essential business loans can efficiently reach out to businesses looking for speedy, flexible financing options. But how?

This blog will examine how MCA providers can capitalize on the growing demand for essential business loans.

Understanding the Need for Essential Business Loans
Many small businesses face cash-flow problems that traditional financing may not always solve. Banks may have long processing times, harsh loan terms, or slow funding. MCAs, though, are a faster and simpler option for businesses that require immediate cash flow.

Since most businesses actively seek financing, MCA providers can advertise themselves as a solid funding alternative. The key is to have the right leads — business owners who need the necessary funding.

How to Generate Quality Leads for Essential Business Loans?
Generating leads is one thing. Generating quality leads is a different matter altogether. Especially for essential business loans where timing and trust are critical. Here is what MCA providers can do to generate converting leads:

Target the Right Businesses
Not all businesses are well-suited for an MCA. Target high cash flow-intensive industries like retail, restaurants, or service businesses. These types of businesses typically need quick access to money and are more likely to look at non-traditional funding.

Optimize Online Visibility
Most entrepreneurs start looking for finance online. Ensure that your website and content are keyword-optimized for terms like “essential business loans” so potential clients can easily find you. Blog posts, FAQs, and simple descriptions of how MCAs work can help create credibility and attract qualified business loan leads.

Use Paid Advertising Effectively
Pay-per-click ads can direct targeted traffic to your website. Specific business funding-related keywords will make it possible for you to catch business owners already pursuing securing some funds. Ensure your landing pages articulate an MCA benefit effectively and simplify the application process.

Educate Potential Borrowers
 Some may not fully understand how MCAs work. To educate your target audience, provide valuable resources such as recommendations, case studies, or comparisons to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of your sector. Establishing credibility increases the likelihood of converting leads into clients.

Work with Lead Providers
 Merchant Financing Leads, a trusted MCA lead provider, can provide pre-qualified leads. We are specialists in connecting MCA businesses with potential borrowers who need funding. This can save time and effort in terms of hefty lead generation.

Turning Leads into Customers!
What happens next once you’ve established a steady stream of leads for essential business loans? Efforts to speed up, simplify, and personalize queries lead to more funded deals. How to make this method work for you:

Quick Response: Business owners contact multiple lenders simultaneously, so respond quickly. A timely response shows that you are professional and available to service your customers when they need you.

Be Open and Honest: Clearly mention all expenses and payback arrangements upfront. Inaccurate or disguised expenses may also lead to mistrust and failed negotiations. Transparent transactions yield more business results.

Flexible Solutions: Every business has different cash flow requirements and difficulties. Talk to them to determine their specific position. Now, adjust terms or quantities as necessary to provide them with the most suitable option.

With the right approach, MCA providers can cultivate good relationships with borrowers and scale their business amid cutthroat competition. The key is to be proactive, educate potential clients, and simplify the application process. Partner with Merchant Financing Leads to receive a steady stream of quality leads. Reach out to us today!

How to Use Essential Business Data to Build a Winning MCA Sales Funnel?

If you’re in the merchant cash advance (MCA) business, you know that finding the right leads is only half the battle. The other half? Turning those leads into closed deals. That’s where essential business data can help you. Using the correct data, you can build a sales funnel that attracts, qualifies, and converts prospects more effectively. 

Let’s look at how you can use business data to benefit your MCA business and earn more revenue in the long run.

Understanding Essential Business Data    

Essential business data includes company size, industry, revenue, payment history, and funding requirements. This allows you to pre-qualify leads and determine which businesses need merchant cash advances. Instead of cold calling, you can focus on businesses more likely to require cash down the road.

For instance, companies with seasonal revenue variations typically need short-term capital. Knowing their off-peak and peak seasons helps you time your contact more appropriately. Likewise, companies that have previously done MCA transactions are more likely to be interested.

Strategies to Build a High-Converting MCA Sales Funnel  

Building a high-converting MCA sales funnel requires a blend of touches. Optimize every step to give prospective clients what they need to engage and fund you. Here’s what you can implement to tighten your approach for more conversions: 

1. Identify High-Potential Leads with the Right Data    

Not all leads are the same. Reviewing specific business metrics, cash flow patterns, industry growth rate, and credit history are all ways to start identifying higher-performing leads with higher potential value when converting. For example, businesses with seasonal revenue dips or rapid growth are often strong candidates for funding.

2. Personalize Your Outreach with Relevant Insights    

Generic sales pitches rarely work in the MCA space. Instead, use data to tailor your approach. If you know a business has recently expanded or invested in new equipment, you can frame your offer around their need for working capital. Mentioning specific pain points shows you’ve done your homework, helping you build trust.

3. Track Engagement to Optimize Follow-Ups    

When selling, time is critical. If a lead opened your email but did not react, they might still be interested. You may reach out at the optimal time by tracking indicators like email openers, link clicks, and call reactions. That second touchpoint can be a game-changer if it is done in time.

4. Use Industry Benchmarks to Strengthen Your Pitch  

Business owners would like to get industry-specific insight, such as average funding amounts or how MCAs are typically used within their industry. For instance, a restaurant owner might not know how many of his peers use advances to remodel kitchens until you present them with the numbers.

5. Analyze Conversion Gaps to Improve Close Rates 

If leads frequently drop off at a particular stage, dig into the data to discover why. Are they hesitant about repayment terms? Do they need more clarity on fees? Identifying these sticking points lets you adjust your messaging or offer alternatives, like different payment structures, to keep the process moving forward.

Creating a successful MCA sales funnel is about using essential business data in the most effective way possible. These strategies can help you complete more transactions with less work, from identifying the proper prospects to improving follow-ups. And if you need the best MCA leads to start with, partner with us now!

SBA Loan Leads vs. MCA Leads: What’s the Difference?

Running a business takes money; sometimes, you need extra funds to grow, cover expenses, or keep things running smoothly. That’s where financing options like Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and Merchant Cash Advances (MCA) come in. So, understanding how these two options differ is key if you’re in the funding business and generating leads.

SBA loans take time but offer lower costs, while MCAs provide fast cash with fewer requirements. Knowing the differences helps you connect your business with the right funding sources—and close more deals in the process.

What Are SBA Loans?
 SBA (Small Business Administration) loans are government-backed loans that help small businesses secure funding. The SBA doesn’t lend directly but guarantees a portion of the loan, reducing lender risk. This results in lower interest rates and longer repayment terms. However, the lengthy approval process requires strong credit and detailed financial records.

What Are MCA Loans?
 A Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) is not a loan but an advance on future sales. MCA providers offer quick funding, repaid through daily credit card sales or fixed withdrawals. Unlike SBA loans, MCAs focus on cash flow, making them accessible to businesses with lower credit. However, they come with higher costs and shorter repayment terms.

What Are SBA Loan Leads?
 SBA loan leads connect businesses with lenders offering SBA-backed loans. These leads typically include financially stable businesses with good credit. While SBA loans take time to process, they provide long-term benefits for both borrowers and lenders. Due to the complex approval process, nurturing and follow-up are key to converting these leads.


What Are MCA Leads?
 MCA leads consist of businesses seeking fast, hassle-free funding. These leads convert quickly since MCA approvals depend on cash flow rather than credit scores. However, while they offer immediate financing, the higher fees make MCAs a costlier option.

Key Differences Between SBA Loan Leads and MCA Leads
 Understanding the following differences between SBA loan leads and MCA leads helps in targeting the right audience effectively:

Qualification Requirements: SBA loan leads consist of businesses with good credit, financial stability, and strong documentation, while MCA leads include businesses with lower credit scores that rely on cash flow.

Conversion Speed: SBA loan leads take longer to convert due to the extensive approval process, whereas MCA leads convert approvals are based on revenue rather than credit history.

Funding Urgency: SBA loan leads typically involve businesses that can wait for funding. Whereas merchant cash advance leads consist of businesses that need immediate cash.

Loan Amount and Term: SBA loan leads often seek larger funding amounts with long-term repayment plans, whereas MCA leads are usually for short-term funding with higher repayment costs.

Which Leads Work Best for Your Business?
If you are generating leads for your lending business, knowing the type of business leads and the urgency of funding is important. For lead providers, both have potential. SBA loan leads must be nurtured, but the reward can be substantial. MCA leads are fast-moving, resulting in quicker deals.

By understanding these differences, lenders can tailor their approach to maximize conversions. Whether you focus on SBA or MCA leads, having the right strategy ensures better success in matching businesses with the needed funding. If you need high-converting leads, partner with us and target prospects that deliver results!

Business Funding Leads vs. Direct Lending: Understanding the Difference

Let’s talk about business funding. If you’re running an MCA business, you’ve probably heard terms like “business funding leads” and “direct lending.” Now, they might sound similar, but they’re not. Understanding the difference can save you a lot of time and prevent headaches in getting the appropriate type of funding for your company.

So, let’s cut through the jargon and know what these things mean, how they operate, and why it’s important to your lending company’s bottom line.

What Are Business Funding Leads?
These leads are businesses in search of funding. They are created by agencies that match businesses seeking funds with possible lenders. These agencies serve as middlemen, collecting data on businesses seeking funding and then transferring that data to lenders who can assist.

For example, if you’re an MCA company, you could partner with a firm that offers business funding leads. They’ll provide you with a list of businesses looking for funding, and you’re responsible for calling them and closing the sale. It’s discovering potential customers without investing time and money in cold calling.

What Is Direct Lending?
 Direct lending is a different term. Here, the lender advances the money directly to the business. No middleman. If you’re a direct lender, you’re the one who’s considering the business, approving the loan, and servicing the relationship with the borrower. That means you get to control the process from start to finish, but you also have to go out and find your own clients.

Direct lending might be a good choice if you have the funds to do it all internally. But it does take more work because you’ll need to promote your services, drive leads, and fund the whole thing yourself.

Differences Between Business Funding Leads and Direct Lending
Now that we’ve covered the basics of business funding leads and direct lending let’s dig into how they differ. Here are key distinctions that set them apart, and understanding these can help you choose the right option for your business.

Role in the Process: Business financing leads providers to connect businesses with borrowers. They are not the fund providers. Direct lenders, on the other hand, are directly offering the finances.

Resources and Work: With business funding leads, the hard work—identifying companies seeking financing—largely becomes unnecessary. Through direct lending, however, it’s all your responsibility, from generating the lead to clinching the sale.

Cost: Business funding leads often come at a price. You’re paying for the convenience of having leads handed to you. Direct lending might not have this upfront cost, but it requires more investment in marketing and operations.

Which One Is Right for You?
 It varies based on your business model. If you’re an MCA lender focusing on closing deals and saving time, business funding leads are the way to go. If you want complete control and are willing to put in the extra effort, then direct lending could be a better fit.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both. The thing is knowing your needs and picking what best suits you. Either way, the objective is the same: assisting small businesses in securing the finance they need to expand. It’s about what works best for your business. Need funding fast? Go with leads. Want to own the process? Direct lending is your move. Ready to take the next step? Contact us to determine what fits your style, and get started today. Your business will thank you!

How to Partner with a Pay-Per-Call Lead Provider for Maximum Results in 2025?

Finding quality leads is critical for success in merchant cash advance financing. But what if you could connect with small business owners actively seeking funding—without wasting time or money? That’s where pay-per-call small business leads are invaluable.

With a pay-per-call lead provider on your side, you can close deals while they bring the right leads directly to your phone. Let’s learn how to make this alliance work for you in 2025.

Understanding Pay-Per-Call Small Business Leads
Pay-per-call small business leads are a lead-generating model whereby companies are charged per incoming call from would-be customers. These are actual, live, and active phone calls made by persons searching for your service as opposed to computer-generated or fabricated internet leads. It is primarily effective in closing the leads as the callers usually intend to make purchases.

Key Steps to Effective Partnership with a Pay-Per-Call Lead Provider
Collaboration with a pay-per-call small business lead provider can significantly enhance your business, but effectiveness is based on the relationship quality and process. Below is a step-by-step approach to ensure you maximize the partnership:

Step 1: Define Your Objectives
Clearly define what you want to achieve. Do you want to boost sales, drive inquiries, or build brand awareness? Having concrete goals will assist in making the campaign more customized to your requirements.

Step 2: Research Potential Providers
Not all providers are created equal. Check their reputation, the quality of leads they provide, and how long they have worked in your sector. Reading reviews and testimonials can give you an idea of their reliability.

Step 3. Evaluate Lead Quality
Good-quality leads are essential to your success. Ensure the provider employs effective targeting methods to connect you with customers who are interested. Find out how they qualify leads and what criteria they use to send calls forward.

Step 4. Familiarize yourself with Pricing Structures
Ensure you understand how you’ll be billed—per call, length of call, or per call result. Knowing the pricing model facilitates budgeting and measuring return on investment.

Step 5. Establish Clear Campaign Parameters
Establish the details of your campaign, including geographic targeting, call center time, and what services you are looking to promote. Clear parameters guarantee you receive calls relevant to your needs.

Step 6. Integrate Tracking and Analytics
Tracking devices track the source of calls, call lengths, and results. This information is important to evaluate the efficiency of your campaigns and make the required changes.

Step 7. Practice Open Communication
Talk to your lead provider regularly. Discuss what’s going right and what’s not, and then adjust accordingly—a mutually helping relationship results in continuous improvement.

Step 8. Practice Compliance with Regulations
Learn about the telemarketing laws and ensure your provider adheres to all the guidelines. This habit saves your business from future legal hassles.

Partnering with a pay-per-call lead provider can significantly boost your business’s reach and conversion rates. Following the steps outlined above can establish a fruitful collaboration that drives maximum results.

Ready to improve your customer connections? Contact us today to explore how our pay-per-call small business lead services can benefit your business.

5 Ways MCA Trigger Leads Help You Connect with Ready-to-Borrow Businesses

If you are an MCA lender, finding businesses seeking financing can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Most leads are cold, uninterested, or simply not yet ready. That’s where MCA trigger leads come in. Rather than pursuing maybes, you contact businesses actively seeking financing—when they need it.

No guessing, no time wasted. Here’s how MCA trigger leads make it easy for you to reach businesses willing to borrow.

What Are Trigger Leads?
Trigger leads are contacts made when a company takes specific steps that show they’re in the market for financing. They may have searched for “MCA loans,” submitted a form on a lending website, or inquired about funding quotes. These steps “trigger” them being added to a lead list and thus are available to act upon. Why invest in trigger leads?

1) Target Businesses Already Looking for Funding
MCA trigger leads are generated based on specific actions that indicate a business is seeking financing. For example, they might have recently searched for funding options or filled out a form on a lending website. This means you’re not starting from scratch—you’re reaching out to businesses that have already expressed interest in getting a loan.

2) Save Time and Resources
Without trigger leads, you may spend hours making cold calls or sending emails to businesses that aren’t looking to invest. MCA trigger leads cut through the noise. They target businesses most likely to accept your proposal so that you have less time chasing dead ends and more time securing deals.

3) Improve Conversion Rates
When you reach out to a business seeking finance, your potential to close them as a customer increases dramatically. Trigger leads are warm leads, and as such, they’re already open to borrowing. This does half the work for you and makes your efforts worthwhile.

4) Stay Ahead of Competitors
Time plays a critical role when operating within the MCA industry. The first mover advantage comes from contacting lenders when companies begin querying them for MCA access. Real-time MCA trigger leads enable you to rapidly respond to opportunities that position you as the most favored lending choice.

5) Build a Pipeline of Qualified Leads
The solution of trigger leads functions continuously. Your consistent client pipeline of ready-to-borrow businesses will be maintained through their assistance. This method produces continuous regular transactions, which helps your client base grow.

How to Make the Most of MCA Trigger Leads?
MCA trigger leads are a goldmine for connecting with businesses actively seeking funding, but how you approach them can make all the difference. Here’s how to maximize your opportunities:

Act fast: The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of closing the deal.
Be clear and direct: Businesses looking for funding want to know how you can help, so get to the point quickly.
Follow-up: Sometimes, it takes a second or third touch to get a response.

In short, MCA trigger leads are a practical way to connect with businesses ready to borrow. They save you time, improve conversion rates, and help you stay competitive. If you’re not using them yet, it’s worth considering how they can fit into your strategy. Ready to connect with more ready-to-borrow businesses? Start with our top-quality MCA trigger leads today.