what is a database?
Everyone you meet, every person who contacts you, existing clients, friends, family, neighbours, and business owners are all potential prospects. What you need to do is build a place to store, update and retrieve client information. This is your database and your best business asset.
how to create a database
The easiest way to start a database is to create a table in Excel or Outlook. When building your own database include the following columns:
- First Name
- Surname
- Contact Number
- Company
- Association i.e. Client, prospect, friend of a friend etc
- Date of birth
There are more advanced database tools available that provide detailed reports and client information, we use www.salesforce.com. Consider these if you plan on building a big business. Keep adding to your list! Have a goal to increase your database by 10-15 % every quarter. Put together a business strategy about how you will build your database.
Whilst having a database is a “must do” in business If you want your business and income to grow, you need to use it. One of the best ways is via a regular newsletter. To really add value write a newsletter that offers education rather than a “hard sell” all the time. A good blend is 80% content and 20% marketing. “People want to buy but they don’t like being sold to”.
Successful business practice puts a focus and strategy on a growing database. Education and awareness of your services via a newsletter will increase your chances of ongoing business growth and success.
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