Every time you turn around these days, people are telling you that you need to have "a big list". Is this true?

"Yes. . .and no."

Truth is, you must have a list of qualified prospects who relate to you AND who want to purchase the products and services you offer.

Let's break that down.

*"qualified prospects" = Individuals in your target market who look forward to hearing from you and for whom you provide valuable information. If you are sending bookkeeping tips to gardeners, for example, they are likely to unsubscribe as the information is not valuable *to them*.

*"who relate to you" = You want to build a relationship through your writing so your readers come to know, like and trust you. They need to understand that you will not be "here today and gone tomorrow" and that you have THEIR best interests at heart.

*"who want to purchase" = It doesn't matter if you believe your prospects NEED your information. What matters is that THEY feel they need/want it. You could sell healthy eating books to obese men, but if they don't want to eat healthy, they will not purchase your book.

A solid list is the foundation of any online or offline business -- regardless of your industry.

For example, if you have a list of 10,000 readers and you announce a $20 product and 5% purchase it, you just made $10,000 in revenue.

If you announce the same $20 product to a list of 3,000 dedicated readers and 25% purchase, you just made $15,000 in revenue.

Now that we agree QUALITY OVER QUANTITY is best, here are some ways to build your quality list:

1. Article Marketing.

Can't emphasize this enough. If you're writing articles (and if you're not, time to start!), you need to be posting them on article directory sites such as EzineArticles.com and BestManagementArticles.com.

2. Article Publishing.

Article publishing is another way to market your articles -- only instead of posting them to directories, you contact ezine publishers and associations and ask them if they would like to publish your article in one of their upcoming newsletter issues.

You want to be sure to contact publishers in complementary, not competing, industries or niches.

3. Public Speaking.

Standing in front of a group, whether it be a networking event or workshop, is one of THE best ways to build your list. Through your one presentation, you've built a rapport with your audience -- they've seen you, they've heard you and they've connected with you.

If you're not comfortable with public speaking, start with a small, local networking event such as your Chamber of Commerce or BNI meeting or join a group such as ToastMasters.

4. Joint Ventures.

Do you know someone with a quality list who speaks to the same audience as you? Is there any way you can partner with them on a project and have them promote you/your newsletter to their list?

5. Co-registration.

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