In the age of Web2.0, social networking with Myspace, Facebook, Digg, StumbleUpon, YouTube and all of the other social networking sites that can be used to drive traffic and build relationships with your prospects, can we still live by the notion that the money is in the list?
Let’s be clear, a list was NEVER mandatory to do business online…
Is having a list mandatory? No
Can you make money without a list? Yes
Can you earn a living online without a list? Probably, but I’ve never tried without a list…
Are you leaving BIG money on the table without a list – YES!
I don’t care what sort of business anyone has created, it could be improved (and usually substantially) by building and nurturing their list.
Now, let’s look at what a "list" means in 2008.
Up until recently, your list was either an offline direct mail list and later, an online email list.
Today, that connection with your subscribers is extended to your RSS (Really Simple Syndication) list that frequently read and subscribe to your blog feeds, signup to your forum, add you as a friend or other methods of requesting and expecting repeat information from you.
So is the money still in the list – yes with the only exception being that the "list" in 2008 has extended meaning.
A major part of the 45-day Information Product Profits Formula is ramping up your traffic AND connecting with your marketplace through blogs and social networking sites…this is really list building in disguise.
That said, building a relationship with your list is not trivial for many people. It involves a careful understanding of who is reading your stuff on the other end. It means using elements of psychology and persuasion that very few people really get. I myself have gotten better, but still continue to learn from the real masters who are really great at connecting, creating interest and positioning themselves with their readership.
In my experience, you will make some money without a list, you will make more WITH a list, you will make ALLOT more by connecting and nurturing your list.
What do you think…do you still need a list to make big money online in 2008? Leave us a comment below.
Jeff
