It has to happen every once in a while and this is the
perfect time of year to face it. I’m talking about cleaning up your list.
This realization came crashing down on a client recently and
it just serves to remind me that it is one of the last things busy small
business owners are thinking about, but it is just so important.
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| photo credit: ginasanders @123rf.com |
Is your list a mess?
This client wanted to
establish a monthly email newsletter. One of the steps was uploading the CSV
file of his list into the app. When the CSV file arrived and my team and I took
a look at it, we immediately realized that there was a lot of work to do before
it could ever be uploaded.
First off, information had been entered into the wrong
fields and we had first names like Quick and surnames like Order. Then there
were company names entered where the contact’s name should have been. That was
just the beginning. After reviewing the file, there were lots of other changes
like who the contact for the company was now and outdated email addresses.
Hey, don’t beat yourself up because there are always changes
and mistakes, it’s inevitable that your list needs to be cleaned up, sorted out
and purged of all sorts of inaccurate information. But the thing you have to
keep in mind is that your list of contacts is one of the most valuable assets
you have in your business. So you need to keep it polished up and in good
working order.
Make an update part
of your regular maintenance.
The end of the year is a busy time and part of the busy-ness
is sending “thank you for your business this year” greetings to your clients.
Take this opportunity to review your list. Make it part of the process in
sending those greetings. Schedule it for fall. That gives you time to actually
remove any problem entries as well as request new, updated data.
In some instances, the email contact may be the only
information you have. Sending out requests for actual postal mailing addresses
via email will help you sift through outdated emails as well as provide an extra
touch with the client and get more information from them.
AND, while you are doing that, remind yourself of all the
contacts and potential clients that you haven’t connected with for some time.
Out of mind means just that – out of mind, and out of mind means a big NO SALE
on the cash register.
So cleaning up is not just cleaning up, but use it for
bringing to mind potential clients that need a note, call or some other bit of
communication from you. Use it to re-connect and update your records. The biggest
benefit is that you are ready for a big push in the New Year.
To Your Success!
Jack
GrowYour Business™ Coaching founder Jack Klemeyer is recognized as a preeminent
resource for business professionals. As a John Maxwell Certified coach,
speaker, trainer and facilitator of Mastermind groups for business owners and
professionals, his results-driven philosophy calls for action and accountability.
He and his Grow Your Business™ team are dedicated to taking businesses and
their owners to the next level. Jack can be reached at Jack@GYBCoaching.com or at 317-755-6963.
Learn more at GYBCoaching.com.
