PrinterBees.com

The most valuable asset for any business owner is your database, yet it is often overlooked or forgotten about. Without a database what do you really have? When I say that I mean…if you wanted to exit your business and "sell" it to someone else, could you? Do you have anything of value to offer a potential buyer for your business with no database? I think not.

A business is only as valuable as what can be offered to a potential buyer, anything else is just a job. Having a business vs creating a job for yourself are very different from one another. No database or email list in a business like real estate which is all about relationships, means no exit strategy and not alot of options for retirement. There is nothing of value to offer someone.

The first place to start in creating with your database is your holiday card list. If you mail out holiday cards, I am willing to bet your list is already half done! Not to worry if you don't have a holiday card list…your not off the hook that easy.

Next…sit and write down the names of people you would invite to a party IF you were having one. If you don't have addresses, not to worry, that's the easy part. Imagine that it is a huge party and everyone you know is to be invited…EVERYONE. Its the grand opening of your real estate business and you want to make sure everyone is present. Your friends, your family, people you know from church or sports. The parents of your children's friends, your dentist, your chiropractor, your doctor…I mean EVERYONE! No one should be excluded.

For those which you don't have an address for, it is a perfect reason to contact them and let them know you will be sending out information regarding the real estate market and want to include them. Let your friends and acquaintances know that they can contact you anytime they have questions regarding the market. Make sure you ALWAYS get their email address as well. It is the most cost effective way to communicate.

Once you have your database completed, make sure it is in a spreadsheet and make it a priority to stay in contact with these people. It always good to begin by sending out a "introduction letter" of some kind, letting them know you plan to stay in touch and possibly apologizing for it being so long. Whatever feels best for you.

Your sphere of influence is the absolute best place to begin for building your real estate marketing database. These people know you…like you and most importantly trust you. If you were in the market for a Realtor(R), would you want to be in touch with someone you don't know and wasn't sure you could trust?

Think about it, it's the easiest way to get started no matter how long you've been in the business. There is no better time than the present to get back in touch.