Palette Talks | Bringing People to the Page: Lead Gen with Nicko

Behind every strong connection is someone who knows how to spark it. For Culture to Color® Lead Generation Specialist, Nicko Tapay, that spark comes from curiosity, persistence, and a genuine approach to people. Whether he’s mapping out the right audience, exploring unique hotels and museums online, or starting conversations that go beyond business, Nicko blends strategy with sincerity. And when the workday winds down, you’ll find him unwinding with anime or Netflix, or dreaming about his bucket-list trip to Japan. In this feature, he shares his insights on lead generation, his favorite client interactions, and the personal passions that fuel his perspective.

💡 How do you approach finding and connecting with the right audience?

Knowing your target audience or market first is a crucial part of the lead generation process. From there, you’ll know which direction to take, and it makes the work much more efficient. Second, identify the specific information you need to acquire—this will serve as your compass, showing you exactly where to start and where to go next. Lead generation, especially organic lead generation, is both easy and hard at the same time, I would say.

💡 What’s the best part of working in lead generation?

My work here at Culture to Color® is a mix of research and lead generation. For me, the best part is being able to explore the world even while I’m just at home. For example, I get to research unique hotels and museums. Going through the whole process—checking their websites, seeing amazing photos, learning about their history—makes me wonder what it would be like if I could actually visit those places in person.

There was even a time when I got the chance to speak with a contact person from a hotel in America, and it was such a great experience. Connecting with people, even just over the phone, and feeling their enthusiasm—it really feels amazing.

💡 What makes a message stand out to potential clients?

In my experience, the best approach is to create a connection right from the start of a conversation. It doesn’t always have to be about what you do—it can be as simple as asking, ‘How are you?’ I’ve worked in customer service for almost 8 years, and I’ve seen how much of a difference that small gesture makes. Of course, in reality, it’s also fine to go straight to the point—nothing wrong with that either.

💡 What’s your go-to advice for business owners who want to generate more leads?

Don’t take ‘no’ as a final answer from a lead. If someone isn’t interested right away or refuses to give information, look for another angle to connect with them. Persistence matters, but so does empathy. At the end of the day, people respond when they feel heard and respected.

Nicko’s perspective highlights the importance of patience, persistence, and creating real connections with people. Lead generation is not just about filling a pipeline—it’s about finding the right people and making the right impression at the right time.

To build on his advice, here are 10 practical tips for lead generation success that any business owner can start applying today:

Top 10 Tips for Lead Generation Success

☑️ Define your ideal customer – Know exactly who you want to reach before you start outreach.

☑️ Optimize your website – Make sure visitors can easily find contact forms, downloads, or CTAs.

☑️ Leverage social media – Share valuable content consistently and engage in conversations.

☑️ Use lead magnets – Offer resources like free guides, checklists, or trials in exchange for contact info.

☑️ Personalize your outreach – Tailor emails, calls, and messages to the recipient’s needs.

☑️ Follow up consistently – Many deals are closed in follow-ups, not the first touch.

☑️ Build partnerships – Collaborate with complementary businesses for shared audiences.

☑️ Track your data – Use analytics to see what’s working and refine your approach.

☑️ Prioritize quality over quantity – A smaller pool of qualified leads is better than a large list of unfit ones.

☑️ Stay human – Relationships drive results. Don’t let automation remove authenticity from your communication.

💡 What’s the most interesting client interaction you’ve had?

There was one time I got to speak with the owner of a unique hotel in the US. She was an elderly woman, very accommodating. Even though she had a hard time hearing me, she still answered all my questions—really trying her best. At the end of the call, I told her I hope I can visit them one day, and she immediately said yes. It was such a warm response that it really made me want to go there someday.

For a moment, she shared their story and encouraged me to visit their place. It was such a nice and interesting experience. In a way, I feel like I get to travel to places even just through words.

💡 What’s one hobby or activity that instantly relaxes you after a busy day?

Watching anime or binge-watching Netflix is something I usually do after work or a busy day. It lets me relax and just enjoy the moment.

💡 What’s your “power breakfast” for a productive day?

Fried rice, egg, and a cup of coffee really make a great start to the day. As we all know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

💡 If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?

I’d really love to visit Japan. I want to see places like the anime village, then roam around the city and explore some thrift stores. I also want to check out those spots I see on TikTok where grandmas or older folks make and sell sweets, ramen, and other delicious food.

Nicko shows us that lead generation is both a science and an art—structured strategies fueled by authentic human connection. Whether it’s starting with a simple “How are you?” or never taking “no” as the last word, his approach reminds us that every conversation holds potential. Pair that mindset with actionable tips, and business owners have a roadmap for building relationships that last.

At Culture to Color®, every project is powered by a team that blends creativity, heart, and strategy. We love helping brands share their stories in ways that are engaging, memorable, and full of personality. Whether you’re looking to educate, inspire, or connect with your audience, we can make it possible.

Let’s bring your brand to life through color and creativity.