Wendy Haney

Yep, I know, you’ve heard it before, without a list you have nothing.  Well, I don’t completely believe that.

Without a product and a list you have nothing.  But if you have one or the other you can take it and get the other.

I started just like most of you… with nothing but a desire to be in control of my life and be profitable. 

Without a list or a product I decided to start with a product and use that to build my list.  So, I have created my own product and will use it to build my list.

OK, I know just what you’re going to say… “Yea, but who are you going to market it to if you don’t have a list?”  Well, that takes some initiative on your part.  You need to ask yourself a few questions…

Do I know anyone who has a list?

Am I willing to contact people who have a list in a niche related to mine?

If you answered “Yes” to one of those questions then you have a very good start.  Contact them and tell them about the product you have created.  Ask them if they would be willing to promote it to their list.  If you get one or more of them to say “Yes”, then you are off to a good start!

When creating your first product the most important this is that it be unique.  When I say “unique” I mean 100%, totally, and completely created by you (or you paid someone to create it).  That means you aren’t reselling a reseller product you picked up, or it is a PLR product you have modified.  Nope, this has to be from scratch created by you.  If not, you may have a tougher time getting others to promote it for you.

I know, your next question is “but what if no one wants to buy it?”  No problem, let them have it for FREE!  All it costs them is their email address.  I know, I know…. we all want to make money, but sometimes you have to start small and if you want to build a list, then give something away for free. 

Now of course that doesn’t mean you can’t have a one-time-offer for your customers after they signup for your free product. :-) 

The key thing with this plan is your product needs to be unique and it also must be very valuable.  That way, when the customers see what you are giving away for free they will be more than happy to offer up their email address.  This will also show them how great your products are, so the next time you come out with a product (which you can now promote to your own list) they will be more willing to buy since they got so much out of your first product!

There you have it - create a great product, show others how great it is so they are willing to promote it for you, give it away for free and you now have a list!