One of the biggest reasons people have less success with their online business than they originally dreamed, is because they don't take the time to build real relationships with their customers. It's wonderful if you can succeed at list building, and perhaps you are already in the process of building a list of 50 thousand subscribers; but if you can't build a real relationship with the majority of those members then your list building efforts have been in vain.

You need to realize that a person who subscribes to your newsletter or follow up series is no different than someone who walks into a physical store to buy something. If you ignore either person, they'll take their business elsewhere! Approach them, offer to help and find out what it is they're interested in. Then provide them with exactly what it is they came to your "store" for and you've got a customer for life!

I've learned a great deal from a very large number of Internet Marketers, and I've been on quite literally hundreds of lists at one time or another. I've unsubscribed from most, but there are always a few I just can't seem to let go. These are the people that helped me get to where I am today (although some may not know it)! I still stay on their list or subscribed to their newsletters, not just because we're friends now, but because they took the time to build that relationship with me and I honestly want to hear what they have to say! You wouldn't turn your head on a friend that helped you out in the past, so why would you do it to someone online?

Respect comes full circle, be it with your mentors, JV partners or your list! So here's a quick list of do's and don'ts I feel every Internet Marketer should adhere to when it comes to list building or mailing to a list you already have:

1. Be consistent with your mailing frequency (people want to know what to expect)
2. Never ever spam or over-mail your list - People will know when you're only out to make a buck, and who wants to be friends with a money leech? This is List Building Rule #1 in my book!
3. Be sure to know exactly what it is you've promised your list members (you know… what it is you said they would get if signing up to your list). I suggest having deliverables in place as soon as you start your list building campaign!
4. Provide good value… never rehashed material that your list members will only be wasting their time reading.
5. Give a bonus every now and then! Send them a download link for something other people pay for… you'll be a hero and your members may even help you with the list building work by referring some friends!

That's my top 5… I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic, or perhaps a story of why you've left other people's lists in the past! Something we can all learn from perhaps!

If you want to avoid every pitfall you could possibly make when list building, and put your list building campaign into hyper-speed mode then check out this incredible free List Building Resource! There… I've provided more than great value simply by introducing you to Tellman and Shawn. You can thank me later! Until next time…