How to Make Your Contact List & Launch Your Home Business Fast

This one can cause a lot of aggravation and confusion in the home business world so I’m going to share some tips with you today that have helped our team to be effective in letting people know about our business without all the fuss & drama.

You’ll read a lot of nonsense on the internet about not talking to your warm market about your home business but my advice to you is take that with a pinch of salt.

What you want to do is learn how to talk to people you know effectively and professionally so that you can launch your home business (Direct sales or MLM Business) right.

Read on if you’re in another small business model such as coaching or other service business because these principles apply for all models.

Here’s my top tips for you:

1)Make your list of contacts. Don’t worry what you are going to say or do with them now. Just open your mind and start to get the names down. Keep your notebook with you so you can add names to your list as they suddenly appear throughout the day. (As they do when you open yourself to this process. (This is your NETWORK. In the age of Social Networking this list is GOLD for you)

2)Use a memory jogger. Who do you know named Joe? Who do you know that looks like Tom Cruise? (Send him my way!) Go through the professions in the phone book or in your business plan memory jogger and just keep adding names. Go through old diaries and business cards.

3)Divide your list into sections:

Hot Market – people who know you REALLY well & whom you might be a little wary of approaching in some cases. Great Aunt Hilda etc.)

Warm Market – All other people you know well enough to say hi to and who know you by name or at least well enough to stop for a conversation.

4)Add all contact details you have for each one. If none leave blank and go back to later when you will research and find them through social networks. Decide whether you will get in touch with each one by phone, skype, In person, Facebook, Text, Email or however else is available to you.

5) Highlight the ones that have qualities about them that can bring value to your business such as they are sociable and like to help people, or they already are successful in business, or they are leaders in the community, or they are just plain nice positive people, or they live in France where you would love to have business etc.

6) Decide exactly what you are going to say BEFORE you call. If you’re working with a mentor follow their system and trust in the process. Usually they will have guidelines for you on what to say and how to say it. Stick to the system and don’t try to reinvent the wheel here.

7) Practice and role play with your partner, a friend or your mentor before you do your first calls. The process should be simple but still it is best to practice and be as confident as you can. If you’re nervous just pretend for a little while that you’re not. Once you start you’ll find your fear dissipates just by facing it and taking action.

Notify your ‘hot market’ and ask for referrals. We all have people who are so close to us that we feel they won’t take us that seriously in business. Just let them know you’ve started a new business and you wonder if they might know anyone who might be looking for XXX (whatever your service or business model is) If they are open and supportive they may be curious and want to take a look anyway. Ask them to pass on your info or follow up with them normally if they do show interest.

9) Invite and/or notify your warm market. If you’re in Network Marketing I highly recommend that you directly invite your warm market people to take a look. Don’t decide for them and presume they do not need an opportunity. If you just can’t bear to do the direct approach then use the indirect referral approach but use one or the other. Here is the script we use:

If you want your candidate to watch an online video you say this:

“Hi John, its Mary, this is a quick call. I’ve just started this exciting part-time business to create more cash flow. I don’t know if it’s going to be something for you, but I think it’s important that you take a look.” (Use your own words but stick to the point and keep it short)

John can only give one possible response to this so you need to be ready for it.

“What is it?” says John.

“I’ve only just got started but I have this video overview for you to watch. You’ll be able to get all of the details so IF I send you a link to the video will you watch it?”

“Sure” says John.

“Great. When do you think you’ll get a chance to watch it?”

XXX says John

“Ok so if I call you tomorrow after XXX you’ll have seen it and I can get your feedback? What time is best for you?”

If you’re in any other home business and don’t have a business option for your circle of influence then I recommend you notify them and ask for referrals.

10) Do this if you want to launch your business fast. You will be able to learn networking skills quickly. If you ignore the people you already know you will need to spend all your time creating a new contact list and meeting new people. You will need to do this later anyway but for launching, your results & skill building will come from the people who already know, like and trust you.

Final words: If they’re negative just thank them and move on. Don’t get into any debates with them. People you know sometimes want to look out for you and may try to steal your dream intentionally or unintentionally. Don’t let them but don’t argue either!

Think of all of your contacts as your expanding social network. Start to be a professional networker by keeping their details in an organised manner. Stay in touch with people and add them to your online social networks.

Always use the tools you have. Don’t explain stuff unless you’re in a sales model. Just point people to tools (video, website, live presentation etc.)

If this has been helpful to you please LIKE or share it on the buttons and let’s get the word out on how people can professionally launch their home business.

Next time we’ll talk about following up with people and how to avoid the biggest mistake I see most people make.