What’s that thing they say, “The money’s in the list” – ? Been thinking about that lately. About how your list is the core vitality and meaning of your business. Your profits, your time, your products and services, and all aspects of your company’s wellbeing are centered in your list of contacts.

Those who purchase lists wholesale are depraved, of course, but building your list is something that can be done many perfectly legitimate ways. Most people use a combination of tactics, including personal encounters, networking meetings, rosters from organizations to which they belong, fellow alumni, friends, peers, and the like. As social networks always suggest, a good place to start is with your email address book.

So the techniques of list building are...Click here to read the rest of this post at the Virtual Assistance and You Blog.

The Virtual Assistance and You Blog is authored by VAF member Mary of Virtual Writing and Communications Solutions.


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Mary, I liked this post because it helps people realize that building a solid, legit list is an important part of running and marketing a business.

I will say though that I've used purchased lists for physical mailings [postcards] and don't think of myself as particularly depraved - but I think here you're actually referring to email lists and I wholeheartedly agree.

We all hate spam and yet some of us are perfectly willing to be spammers for the sake of selling our services? It's not only a question of professionalism, but of ethics anymore as we are all deluged by junk email. Thanks for exploring a topic that often goes undiscussed.

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Oh dear, that word is a bit too strong, isn't it. There are people who think they can swoop in and make a mint using a purchased list of thousands, and it's that kind of 'email blasting' that I was referring to.

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Yes, definitely - there is a depraved, even deranged, sort of mindset that goes hand in hand with that kind of spammy approach to getting the word out.

Oftentimes when I receive these spammy emails I'll shake my head and ask myself 'Does anyone ever actually respond to this? Or click the link? Or buy the item being marketed?" It really makes you wonder!

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Thank you for sharing this. It's nice to be reminded of the how important the little things can be. Part of my list is a combination of entrepreneurs and MLMers who are very successful at what they do. Is there a good way to request them to share me and my business with their friends and associates? Or should I just come right out and say I would like their help?

There's nothing wrong with coming right out and asking for their help. Some peeps offer money or discounts for referrals, and that can work if the situation's right. But something like, "My best clients are your friends and connections. Please help me help them by sharing my contact info" just might nudge someone to refer you.

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Thanks Mary sometimes going back to basics and looking at our email contacts if a great way to refresh our lists and get referrals also. I'm sure there are many of us who worked with a client once and just never kept in touch with them, and it is sometimes those clients that once reminded of our services that will then keep coming back.

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Althea
Virtually Yours PA