How to Build RELATIONSHIPS to build LIST
We should all know by now that we need to build relationships to be able to build a successful list. We also need to build relationships with people already on our list to have them respond positively to your promotions.
The best way to build relationships is to do it through Social Networking. There are many Social Networking sites to choose from but some are more popular than others. I use Skype, Twitter, LinkedIn, FaceBook, MySpace, JoePopular, and I also use Squidoo & HubPages to tell people about what I love to do and give advice. In Squidoo you can create a lens and in HubPages you create a Hub Page. These are like mini web pages where you can write about anything that you think people may be interested in. The whole idea of using these Web2.0 sites is to get yourself known, liked and trusted all over the net, so that people can recognize your name and know all about what you do.
I want to talk in general now, and give you a few tips on how to approach people while networking.
Whether you are replying to an invitation, or sending an invitation to someone always accompany this with a personal message wherever possible. Most Networking sites will allow a personal message to be sent with a reply or an invitation. Introduce yourself and tell the person a little about yourself and most important always offer your help. If you are replying to an invitation, thank them for the invite. In some of these, like FaceBook, you can send them a virtual “gift” or a photograph as well.
NEVER but never send an advert of any kind with your first message. You can have your links in your signature but don’t promote your business! There is nothing that puts me off more than receiving an invitation to become a contact together with some piece of propaganda, and I am sure this applies to most people. This happens, make no mistake and I am sure many of you have experienced it too. I have often sent a message to a new contact inviting them to tell me more about themselves, and at the same time offering to help them if I can, and they would send a reply asking me what I am doing on line. This is an opportunity to tell them about your own business and explaining what benefits it has for them. Doing it this way almost invites them to ask you about your business, because you asked them first.
Always make the other person feel important and let them know what they can gain by being on your contact list. You need to treat them in the same way that you would like them to treat you, so think before you send them anything. Don’t expect anything from them before you have given them something of value first. This can be anything from advice or information to just offering to listen to their problem.
Once you have gained their trust they will normally be glad to subscribe to your list if it has anything of value to offer them. These contacts will be prepared to buy from you rather than from some-one that they don’t know and they would also be prepared to recommend your service or product to their friends.
This is what networking is all about!! Always keep in mind that you need your contacts – most likely more than they need you, so cultivate their friendship and trust in a way that makes them feel special.