How many of you out there dedicate time and energy into managing an integral database? Do you capture the details of every person that has ever bought off you? Is this data imported into a system that manages your entire history of client relationships? If not, then WHY?! In this day and age it is ludicrous to run a business without developing a great database. One of the key determinants of valuing what a business is worth is the quality of the database. If you ever plan on selling your business why would a potential investor purchase it without a database? He wouldn’t be able to contact any of your previous customers … It would make no sense to buy your business but instead save the money and open up next to you. 
Not only this, a great database allows you to keep in touch with your prospects. A system such as Autopilot or Sales Force will allow you to automate all of your marketing materials and sequence all of your touch points with your prospects; moving these people through the sales funnel without you even realising it. A database is leverage. Make sure you are building it.
Couple of tips on how to build your database:
- If you are in retail, have a hamper on the counter. Everyone that enters your store is then asked if they want to enter the competition to win.
- Call all of your current clients and get ALL of their details.
- Facebook to me, is the easiest way to build your database. Having a fan page set up will allow prospects to simply just ‘like’ your page. Whilst you are not getting their email and phone here they are still actively opting in to receive more information from you.
- Give things away for free on your website. Run a promotion on your website for example, “for the next 2 days sign up to receive your free DVD and book valued at $200″. It is a low risk offer. As people are getting it for free they are wiling to give you all of their data.
There are hundreds of other ways to build up your database but hopefully these will give you a few ideas.
That’s all for now. Have a great week!