What is one of the most fundamental and important assets needed for a successful business?   Your contact list.

 In fact Nigel Botterill, who’s famous for Best of websites and has built 7 successful businesses in the UK, says it is your biggest business asset - besides you.

It is crucial, simply because it is the basic foundation of your business. It should provide all contact and historical information for existing customers and hold as much information as possible for your potential new customers.  It’s also a foundation for building your business plans and budgets and for future regeneration ie upgrades and renewals.

No contacts.. plus no potential customers.. equals a failed business. 

So no matter what goals you are pursuing, building a quality contact list is a vital element to achieving success.

Often people buy lists, which are usually inaccurate. 

And remember ... It is quality - not quantity that counts.

So how do you go about getting contacts? 

Here is my list for a building quality contacts. 

• Network ....to collect names – going to 4 meetings a week morning evenings etc – it’s easy to collect about 30 good ones a week  – remember to use the white space on the business cards to note their requirements and/or important information you pick up from them ... and make sure that info is put onto your database
• Referrals ....Ask your contacts if they know of anyone  who they think might be interested in your business  - target people who know lots of people
• Ask for referrals  on 4N forum, Linked In, Twitter etc
• Customer satisfaction forms ask for referrals
• Drive people to your website and create a sign up form
• Put the sign up link at the bottom of your email, Make sure after Sign ups – send a welcome email
• Use social media (Twitter/Facebook/Linked In/YouTube .. 4Networking! Etc) to drive people to email, phone you or visit your web site
• People you know ... did you know that most people know at least 1000 people ... make your list of anyone you know or meet in your every day life ... including Friends, relations and neighbours etc – but be careful not to subsequently damage relationships
• Create profiles for you and your business on social media and create a marketing theme throughout i.e. consistency with logo, colours and strapline ... Avoids confusion and mixed messages
• Testimonials ..Be sure to get testimonials from existing customers as this will give people confidence to contact you- it’s that like- know-trust thing.
• Write blogs and articles – also answer other peoples to get your name out there
• Give talks and demonstrations
• Give people free tips with a call to action
• Create competitions or offers to generate contacts
• Get details from the internet – google business types in the  areas you are looking for
• Pick up company details in your vicinity by visiting business parks, serviced offices etc
• Directories – this is one of the least satisfactory ways but it could be good for local or targeted sectors
• Of course you can use a tele-marketing company to help you build one but this doesn’t come cheap whereas all the above you can do yourself for free

So now we have quite a few good ideas on how to build a quality business generating contact list