I know most of us are not new to the fact you need a rolodex to build your sales in the real world. Nothing is different when you go online. In fact, your real world rolodex may be the key to building your online list. Here are 7 simple ways to build your elist and get people interested in what you offer. I am assuming what you are offering is a hot topic that everyone will want to know about.

1. Contact everyone you have in your Outlook file (clients, friends, acquaintances, and whoever else) by sending an email explaining you are putting together a newsletter or information sheet on (then pick a topic that almost everyone you know might be interested in). Will everyone sign up? Not likely but in the same email you can ask them if they know anyone that might be interested - also ask if it is OK to mention their name.

2. Send email or direct mail to all the members of your local Chamber of Commerce (there may be several in your area). Do not send a flyer in the package that is sent out monthly, send your separately to gain more attention. The email or flyer should contain information about the opt-in list but also ask for their help as a fellow Chamber member by passing on the information.

3. Advertise your offering in another ezine or enewsletter that hits your target market. Make sure you have a link back to your opt-in page.

4. Write articles for an article marketing site and place your opt-in link in your bio information or strategically within the article. Be sure you do not blatantly promote yourself and get banned from the article marketing site.

5. Send out press releases through PRWeb or pressExposure.com for example. Make sure you read other press releases so that you follow the rules. If links are permitted, use that fact to link to your opt-in page.

6. Attend networking meetings and target attendees by asking them if they would join your list and could you include them in the next mailing. BE SURE TO GET PERMISSION first and then send an email reminding them that you are putting them on your list.

7. If you belong to any associations in your industry - advertise or write an article in that particular newsletter that pushed people to your site. If you are the expert - they will gladly join your list.

In order for your list to really grow, you need to commit time everyday to updating information on your offering and to building the list. If you neglect these tasks, those that originally signed up will likely leave. Be consistent, have a plan, follow the action steps, and win.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D., has spent 25 years in various technical and business leadership roles. Dr. Daoust brings to the table a successful executive career combining many years working with government, non-profit and for profit organizations in a broad variety of industries. Her positions have included executive, financial, marketing, sales, and service management. She has worked with such companies as Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Mobile BIS, Cisco, Accenture and Avaya in the field of knowledge management.