It’s interesting that more and more people are always quoting the phrase “the money is in the list”, but few every figure out how to get the money out of the list they build.

Over the last 2 years, I’ve spoken with many new internet marketers that struggle with the concept of list building.  They aren’t sure where to start, how to start and what to do. In fact, I’ve recently asked my list how had a list, surprisingly, 80% had a list of 500 or less subscribers?

Is that bad? Well, yes and no. It’s not bad if that is a list of 500 buyers, or even 100 buyers. It’s not bad if you’re providing that list with create content, providing value and able to monetize that list.

I’ve found that at one point I fell in to the same trap. Instead of continually provide good, helpful content on a regular basis, I slipped into a “pitch mode”. Why? Because I was told that the money was in the list and I had to sell to them continuously. I can now tell you from personal experience, this doesn’t work.

When you’re building your list, you have to do a few things first. Obviously, you need to have something worthwhile to attract the person. So, you give away something cool, helpful and good.

Here’s where most people make their first mistake. They give away crap. Nothing good. Nothing real helpful. They are basically keeping the good stuff back to “sell” to them later. You should be doing just the opposite. Give something really helpful away. Maybe not your biggest trick, but one of the better ones… Keep them engaged.

Next, you need to give them some more cool stuff. List building is about relationship building. Engaging the subscriber and getting them to understand who you are and trust you. People are not going to trust people that are in their face with their hands out, looking for cash. It just doesn’t work that way.

After you’ve been helpful, given some cool stuff to them, then…and only then… will you begin to build some trust. Give them something cool,and helpful, they are likely to buy something you recommend.

Sometimes it just takes one of those Ah-Ha moments to snap back into reality and see what’s going on around you.

I’ve recently remembered exactly why I got into online marketing and why I’ve created sites that help other marketers… it was about giving back and teaching others.

This past weekend I popped in a DVD from one of the first products I ever purchased, Frank Kern’s Mass Control. I watched the Core Influence video, which is one that changed my thinking at the time…and changed it once again this past weekend. This stuff is just pure good, helpful stuff.

Frank’s getting ready to release a new product, List Control, and I’ll likely get my hands on that just because I’m sure there will be some great new information in the product. And of-course, Frank is going to be giving away some great stuff as well.

If you’re thinking about ways to build your list, then start with thinking about what you can give away that’s truly worthwhile and helpful to the subscriber. Mass Control taught about money magnets, the little things you give away that will bring the money back to you. This stuff works.

As I learn more about List Control I’ll post something about here and I’ll likely put together a cool bonus for it as well.

Let me know what you think…

Are you ready to stand out?

Back in April, I headed out to San Diego for Frank Kern’s Mass Control 2 event. As you can see from the photo, I was able to look like a complete fool, but at the same time, got to meet the man himself.

Anyone that is looking to getting into Internet Marketing always asks the best way to get recognized and get in with the “gurus”.

The very best way is simply go to these events. Sure, some cost money, but many are free.

For instance, The Mass Control 2.0 Conference was free when you purchased Mass Control.  Yes, the was a $1997 price tag attached to the product. However, not only did I receive a ton of value from the course, the opportunity to network with big name is tremendous.

Here’s an example. As a result of traveling to San Diego, I was able to meet and hang out with several well known industry leaders. In passing, they asked what I was doing, what I sold and how it was working for me.  I told them. Nothing more. The result was that these guys were responsible for selling about $17,000 worth of my product, all by themselves.

So, how did I get them to sell my stuff? Simple, I didn’t ask them to. Instead, I asked them what I could sell of theirs. I was just hanging out being myself.

Bottom line, go to these networking events, meet people. Offer to help the gurus. Show them you can do something for them and they will do something in return (Most times).

Upcoming Events in Vegas

Next week I’m heading to Launch Tree Live to see some of the industry’s greatest marketers speak. People like Frank Kern, Mike Filsaime, Anik Singal, Armand Morin, Stephen Pierce, Maria Andros, Mike Morgan and Perry Belcher.

Those are just the speakers. The other people that are likely to be at this event are huge. And that’s when you get your opportunity.

Not your opportunity to lurk, follow and stalk them. But instead, introduce yourself, find out what they are working on, how you can promote their stuff, what you can do to help them. Be sincere and be ready to take action.  You’re likely to be surprised at the response you’ll get from them.

Next week I’ll be posting plenty of updates, pictures and recording some videos with some of the people I’m meeting out there. If you’re around and see me, make sure you stop by and say hi.