Your data (i.e. your contacts) should be the heart and soul of your marketing... THE LIST is the #1 critical element in any marketing campaign... yet many businesses and business professionals meet people, collect business cards and do nothing with the information.

DATA COLLECTION AND USAGE TIPS...
1) The More Info, The Better...
When entering the data, don't just enter the basic name, address, phone, email, etc. Enter other pertinent info as well... date you met contact, contact category (prospect, referral source, etc.), WHERE you met the contact, type of contact (decision-maker, employee, influencer, etc.)

2) To Qualify or Not to Qualify...
Obviously, we all look to "qualify" a new contact as either a potential client or NOT a potential client. But does that mean the contact information is not important? NO!!! One never knows when a "disqualified" contact will become "qualified" by simply a change in position, starting a new business, or being the person who introduces you to your next client!

3) Maintain TOMA...
TOMA = Top Of Mind Awareness. You should have at least ONE marketing campaign (monthly email, newsletter, postcard) that goes to your ENTIRE database. Because if you don't have TOMA when the timing is right, your contact may buy from or refer to someone else.