The most important thing you can do when you are starting a business or promoting a new product or service is to TELL THE WORLD! No one can buy from you or support you if they don’t know what you are doing.

Building and growing a customer contact list is critical to your business. You already have a good start for a contact list with all the people already know-you just haven’t thought of them as potential customers. Then you can add all the people they know.

Developing a contact list, though, is not as simple as putting names on paper. First you must be clear about what you are promoting, and give incentives for people to use your service or buy your product. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Develop a few simple and clear sentences to describe your new venture, product or service. (Your 30 second elevator story.)
2. Ask several people to read it and give you feedback until it is clear and focused and you feel comfortable saying it aloud. (It will feel awkward until you practice a few times).
3. Develop a simple flyer, letter or postcard announcing your new service/product using your description.
4. Offer a discount for new customers (we all love a bargain).
5. Go through your personal phone book and call EVERYONE you know and ask if you can send them information on your business (personal contact is much more effective than email).
7. Thank them and send them your materials. They become the basis for your customer list.

Viola! You have the beginning of a great list.

Try it- I know it will work! I would love to hear from you. Email me with your questions and comments.