How many names do you have in your business Rolodex? ______ If you respond the way most salespeople do youll estimate 200, 400, 700, 1,000 etc. Remember this, if your answer ended with a zero you dont really know, do you? Your Rolodex, or contact management system, is one of your most important business assets. Not using it properly is a huge mistake and a big liability for you. Here are several ways to build your Rolodex. 1. First, get rid of your paper planners. This is 2004. Invest in an account management or data base management software. Check out ACT or File Maker Pro. 2. While youre getting rid of your paper planners you may want to invest in a good PDA like Palm or one of their competitors. 3. Dont treat anyone anonymously. Todays assistant could be tomorrow's decision-maker. 4. When adding contact information be sure you get all of it including: Name Company Name Street Address City, State ZIP Telephone number + extension Voice mail number Fax number E-mail address Web site Special interests Once you begin to build your data base (Rolodex) use it to promote your company, your products, and yourself. The more your customers and prospects hear from you the more theyll buy from you. Building your Rolodex is the ultimate in networking. Networking isnt easy, but it is very important. If networking was easy it would be called neteasying. Building your Rolodex takes time and will pay big dividends for you. How many names did you add to your Rolodex today? |