Alex was excited to start his new business but didn’t know where to begin. He thought, ‘Who should I talk to first?’ Then, he remembered his mentor’s advice: Start with your list—it’s the foundation of everything.
Alex decided to commit. He wrote down the names of everyone he could think of—friends, family, former coworkers, and even people he hadn’t spoken to in years. He made sure to start with at least 250 names because he understood that more names mean more opportunities.
Here’s what Alex discovered, and what you can apply to your journey:
1. Your list is your launchpad.
It’s like starting a treasure hunt—the bigger the map, the better your chances of finding gold. Don’t overthink it; include everyone. Even if someone doesn’t join you right away, they could lead you to others who will.
2. Build through your existing contacts.
Alex didn’t just rely on his own list. He also worked closely with his new team members, helping them create their lists. Together, they expanded their network quickly and turned one list into many.
3. Your list is a living document.
Alex added new names every day. For example, while reconnecting with an old colleague—a sales manager he respected—he introduced his business. This colleague became one of his most successful partners. Always look for people with skills, ambition, and a desire for growth.
You might wonder, ‘Where do I find these people?’ The answer is simple—everyday life and intentional networking. For example:
- At a business conference, Alex met an HR consultant looking for extra income. A conversation about goals led to a powerful partnership.
- When attending a community fundraiser, Alex connected with a small business owner who loved the idea of leveraging an additional revenue stream.
- He also reconnected with former colleagues through LinkedIn, starting conversations like, 'Hi! I’ve launched a new venture and thought you might be interested. Let’s catch up!
Focus on connecting with people who are open to opportunity and capable of seeing the value in what you offer.
When Alex set a big goal, he turned to his list. He reached out to people he trusted and those he thought would benefit from this opportunity. But here’s the key: You can’t make those calls or send those messages if you don’t have a list. Think of your list like planting seeds—no seeds, no tree, no fruit.
Champions, your list is the backbone of your business. Start with at least 250 names and add new ones daily. Every name represents a possibility—a partnership, a success story, or a dream waiting to come true.
Leverage your existing contacts, nurture your relationships, and help your team grow their lists. This isn’t just a task—it’s the foundation for building a thriving and sustainable business.
You’ve got this. Let’s grow together!
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