Two Reasons Why Businesses Are Losing Their Leads

22 January 2026

Toby Patrick

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The first thing a business owner will look at if they are not converting their leads is the marketing; however, that is not always the case. Marketing can often generate leads, but when it comes to the sales team, these leads can either be missed or not converted.

A woman in a headset writes in a notebook at a desk. A whiteboard with sales figures is behind her, and colorful folders are on shelves.

The sales team is under immense pressure, no matter the environment. They can face dozens of sales calls per day, and some of the conversations can be easily forgotten or even lost further down the line. Other calls can be postponed until the next day, which can then be forgotten as well. This means that the customer could potentially go elsewhere, simply because they have been waiting some time for you to get back to them.

Poor Follow-Up Process

It's all well and good getting the lead, but there always has to be a follow-up. Follow-ups are what qualify the sale and get them on board. They are clearly interested because they have enquired through your call handling services. The only reason they didn’t go through with what you offered is due to some reservations. Going back to them at a later date may be the perfect time when they are interested.

There are multiple ways you can do your follow-up, such as a CRM system, automated emails, and reminders for follow-up calls. It would also be good to personalise these follow-up calls, as this creates more opportunity for a conversion. An automated email might not be able to get this message across.

Lacks Personalised Communication

Personalisation is something else that is very important. The world is now very reliant on automated communication. Since the introduction of AI, this has got even worse. That is why personalising your communication is what makes it more effective. Even businesses are using AI for interviews, never mind dealing with their sales calls.

What you need to do is put yourself in the shoes of your client because we are certain you have been them in many scenarios. When you receive hundreds of automated emails, you probably don’t look at them or read them, and therefore, it is a lost cause. The leads that you have are no different.

These leads will no doubt be bombarded with information, and if your communication doesn’t resonate with their specific needs and interests, they will likely forget about you.

When you are personalising the follow-up, you need to really connect with them. We don’t mean just the name. It is also about understanding why they have enquired with your business, understanding their challenges and what they wish to achieve.

At some point, you need to get to know them on a deeper level, so make sure you ask them the questions you need to help personalise your follow-up calls/emails.

Summary

Losing leads is one of the biggest issues that a business can have. This is why a company should look to perfect their personalisation, especially with its follow-up calls. There are many reasons why a business could lose a lead, but these are two of the most common for many companies.

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India–Pakistan Conflict Escalates After Air Strikes and Retaliation

Paul Francis
May 7, 2025
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On May 7th, India confirmed that three of its fighter jets were downed following retaliatory strikes by Pakistan, marking the most significant military escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in years. This follows India’s May 6th operation, dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” in which precision air and missile strikes were launched against alleged terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Indian flag waving against a clear blue sky, displaying orange, white, and green stripes with a blue Ashoka Chakra in the center.

Why Did India Strike Pakistan?

The Indian government stated the strikes were a direct response to the April 22nd terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, most of them Hindu tourists. India has attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Pakistan has denied involvement, claiming the groups act independently of the state and condemning the Indian operation as an act of aggression that killed civilians, including women and children.

The Kashmir Conflict: A Flashpoint Since 1947

Tensions between the two nations are rooted in the 1947 partition of British India, which led to the creation of India and Pakistan and triggered the first Indo-Pakistani war over the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. That conflict left the region divided, with both countries administering separate portions but each claiming it in full.

The Kashmir dispute has been the cause of three full-scale wars—in 1947, 1965, and 1999—and numerous cross-border clashes.

Terrorism and Retaliation: The Ongoing Security Dilemma

India continues to accuse Pakistan of sponsoring cross-border terrorism, while Pakistan views India’s presence in Kashmir as an occupation. The long-standing proxy war dynamic makes accountability difficult and de-escalation complicated.

The latest strikes represent a notable shift from surgical, covert operations to open military engagements, with both countries engaging in tit-for-tat air operations.

International Reactions to the India–Pakistan Conflict

The United Nations and major global powers have called for calm. The United States, China, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are pushing for diplomatic dialogue to prevent a broader conflict.

Meanwhile, international air travel across South Asia has been disrupted as tensions rise, with numerous flights cancelled or rerouted.

What’s Next for India and Pakistan?

Both governments face domestic pressures that make diplomacy difficult. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a hardline stance on national security, while Pakistan’s leadership—amid fragile economic recovery—must also show strength to domestic audiences.

As military assets mobilise on both sides, the risk of escalation remains high. Without clear diplomatic engagement, the region faces the danger of an extended conflict between two nuclear-armed states.