The secret to building success in your business is having a great list of contacts. Here are some tips on how to start writing your contact list and also some opportunities to expand your network.
1. Write a list of all the people you already know:
- Relative
- Friends
- neighbours
- If you had a wedding, then all the names on the guest list
- (Ex) schoolmates
- (ex)teachers
- coworkers
- People saved on your cell phone
- People in your beauty salon/barbershop
- Anyone who sells you anything (clothes, shoes, cars, computer, furniture, food, drink, etc.)
- People in the following services that you know: banker, accountant, plumber, painter, doctor, etc.
- Your friends’ friends (for example, your children’s teachers, your friends’ neighbors, etc.)
Depending on your age, there should be a minimum of 300 names on your list.
2. Email shops, stores, salons that might be interested in your product or service.
Search for shops, stores, salons on Google and send them an email introducing your service or product. The email should be no more than one and a half pages long and include:
- a short introduction to the product or service that will grab the person’s attention right away (e.g. why it’s unique, what would benefit them, etc.)
- your contact details
- a photo of the product or a relevant photo about the service (it can be a company logo)
If there is no response for about 10 days, send them another email with new and interesting information about your product or service. Statistics show that 15% of emails will be answered. Always follow up because you will never know who you will meet and what kind of new relationship you may have with that person.
3. Social networking websites
Start building your business online too!
Sign up to social networking sites and search for people who have the same interest as you. Here is a list of some of the most famous social networking websites:
- My space
- i drink
- friends
- Hi 5
- orkut
- yield point
- yahoo360
- Zorpia
- network log
- Labelled
Add some interesting things about yourself to your profile, like what you like to do, your hobbies, where you’ve been, and also talk a little about your business.
Post some photos too! People love looking at photos, it makes you interesting to them!
Attract people, make them interested in you and your business!
4. Business networking websites
There are also business networking sites where you can get in touch with business professionals. Some of the top business networking websites:
- Academy
- quick release
- Ryze
- BSN
Also take advantage of these sites to reach more potential customers and business partners. Build a massive, responsive list by adding people and building relationships. Find people who are in the same field, search their profile, blogs and comments. Discover new connections, opportunities, ideas and information. Many people are looking for jobs and opportunities on these sites. Talk about your experiences and knowledge. Also share and comment on your favorite articles with your contacts and exchange your ideas! These sites allow for an effective business networking strategy!
5. Join forums
People are always curious about the comments, ideas, feelings or experiences of others. Write your comments, contact other people in the forums and participate in conversations. Start meeting people!
6. Write articles, start blogging
Be an expert in what you do, write articles about it, write reviews and make it interesting for the target audience.
You can also make your own blog and write about your business, your life, your hobby or whatever you want. Just do it and tell people about it!
- calamardo
- dig
- APSense
- wordpress
- EzineArticles
When you have a ton of contacts, you can promote your business and invite customers to come and support your business! Being successful in business, reaching your goals, and making your list as big as you can imagine takes patience and time. Take the time to network and be open, you never know who you’ll run into. The Universe will bring you the right people! There is no such thing as “get rich quick”. It takes time to develop relationships with people and develop your own group.
