1. Start with what you have. Anyone have any contacts. Whether your family and friends, partners or affiliates of networks, creating a file list of contact details of everyone you know. Then, create a personalized letter and talk about their online services. Ask them to go online. Provide a motivator to ensure their visit. People can not be promoted unless you know what you do. So I say! Mail it to everyone on your list.
2. From a "friend" list is a good start. But do not stop there. Then find out what your customers are in industries What is your view of fate? Continue building your list by including individuals and companies in its target industries.
One of the best ways to build a list to guide your local library (many libraries now have online research tools for you to do your research from home or office) and ask for several corporate boards. Your librarian can be an invaluable resource at this point in time. There are many different directories, databases and research tools. One of my favorite reference database is the U.S.. There is a list of more than 12 million U.S. businesses, 120 million households, and 650,000 physicians and dentists. You can sort by many different characteristics, including size of company, state, and SIC codes.
I am a strong believer in direct mail because it works. I have had incredible results send personalized letters, and asking people to respond. I have included the response cards to my letters, and have asked people to visit my site for a free report. I've been lucky with the two techniques. But the key is getting people to take action. A letter is good, but if not its immediate contact, which is soon forgotten.
3. To get people to your site, once again the key is to take action. A web site should have sufficient information to attract a viewer wants more information. Once you have established this connection, motivate them to provide you with contact information in exchange for an item of value. A free report or a subscription to a newsletter are logical choices. Once they have your contact information, you now have the possibility to contact them again and again. And sell them in their business and services with each contact.
4. Drive traffic to your site becomes the next area of focus. Ready to offer their first contacts. But with the Internet, the search for those same people around the world it becomes necessary to grow your business. Start building your name as the authority in your field or industry.
Get your personal name out there - not just your business name. Write articles for other web sites and electronic newsletters with complimentary target markets. Become a guest moderator on the forums. Become a columnist in a trade publication. Look for opportunities to enhance their credibility.
The ultimate goal is to provide quality information to people in your target market. And to be able to provide your contact information, and ultimately, a link to your site, at all locations via the Internet. Trust is built when people see our name over and over again. Connecting with other like-minded entrepreneurs and business is a sure way to get acquainted.
5. No matter how hard you work, there will be only 24 hours in a day. As the days get busy, learning to use the time and effort the other becomes mandatory to facilitate growth. Most small businesses are trying to do too much on their own. Instead, seek help from others in their areas of expertise. The areas that I found useful for help are:
· Rent virtual assistants to keep up with daily operations. They learn of their business from the inside out, and can replace you at a moments notice.
· Professionals hire to perform the tasks that keep you from what you do best. Hiring a company data entry to the entry of daily transactions. Hire an accountant to do your taxes and provide accounting advice. hire lawyers to help you write contracts.
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