One of the most essential things to successful networking is your Contact List. When you start a business, developing one is the first step in promoting and marketing your company. As you write your business plan, it is helpful to make this list to start to develop an idea of who your customer base will be.

The first source of clients would your family and current friends and acquaintances. Depending on your product or service, these people may actually become your clients, as well as being family and friends! When making this list, it is important to write down everyone you know- EVERYONE! Not necessarily because they will become your customer, but in Part Two of this article, we will discuss how these people will LEAD you to customers.

The following is called a MEMORY JOGGER. It is used to...you guessed it...JOG YOUR MEMORY! You may find it helpful to save this list to a file, and print it out to work on over a period of time. Write down everyone- not just the ones who you think would be clients.

Memory Jogger List

RELATIVES

Parents
Grandparents
Sister
Brother
Aunt
Uncle
Cousin

WHO IS MY:

Lawyer
Milkman
Insurance Agent
Mailman
Accountant
Paperboy (Parents)
Congressman
Dentist
Pharmacist
Minister
Veterinarian
Florist
Physician
Optometrist

WHO SOLD ME MY:

Furniture
Appliances
Office Equipment
Camper
Boat
Vacuum Cleaner
Glasses/Contacts
Wedding Rings
Business Clothes
Hunting License
Fishing License
T.V./Stereo
Car/Tires
House

I KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS A:

Nurse
Golf Pro
Student
Fashion Model
Security Guard
Sheriff
Fire Chief
Secretary
Welder
Music Teacher
Art Instructor
Seamstress
Carpenter
Pilot/Stewardess
Bus Driver
Bank Teller
Garage Mechanic
Editor
Lab Technician
Printer
Restaurant Owner
Office Manager
Surgeon
Librarian
Real Estate Agent
Interior Decorator
Lifeguard
Fisherman
Waitress
Notary Public
Antique Dealer
Contractor
Chiropractor
Electrician
Motel Owner
Dietitian

I KNOW SOMEONE THAT:

Lives Next Door
Is my Barber/Hairdresser
Teaches My Kids
Was my Best Man
Was My Maid of Honor
Was my Photographer
Is My Baby-sitter
Was My Navy Buddy
Goes Bowling with Me
Is my Former Boss
Was My Teacher
Repaired My TV
Teaches Ceramics
Was in my Car Pool
Cuts My Grass
Painted My House
Owns My Apartment
Is in Rotary, Lions
Is in My Book Club
Dry Cleans My Clothes
Hung My Wallpaper
Sells Me Gasoline
Delivers Parcels & Packages
Sells Ice Cream

This short list will provide you with about 100 contact names- a great start for any business. Next week we'll talk about what to do with the list once you have completed it.