Starting a Business? Focus on Building Your Email List First

Starting a business often begins with a single, simple action. For me, it was sending out an email newsletter. Back when email was still a novelty, I sent my first newsletter to everyone I knew who had an email address. 

It was a humble start with just 19 email addresses on my list. And yes, that included my second email address and my wife’s email address!

The Humble Beginnings

That initial newsletter was the start of my publishing career, and it eventually grew to more than 100,000 subscribers. 

Since then, I've sent out well over 10,000 email broadcasts, sold millions of dollars worth of products, and helped others generate hundreds of millions in revenue.

Reflecting on my journey, it's clear that the very first thing I did was start building an email list – even before I had a website.

The Power of the Email List

For almost all internet businesses, your only real asset is your list. Or more accurately, your lists, because you should have many of them: prospects, clients, affiliates, email subscribers, social media followers, etc.

Your content can be copied, your social media account could disappear, and your search engine rankings could fluctuate. But no one can take your list away. With that list, you can overcome nearly any setback. It's your “license to print money” and your insurance policy.

BOTTOM LINE: In your internet business, there are all kinds of things you can't control, but your list is the one thing that you CAN control.

Building Your List: The First Step

I've been sharing this message for years: your email list is your most valuable asset. Some people get it, some don't. What really gets to me is when folks say they don’t have a list, like it's some magical thing that just appears.

NEWSFLASH – none of us were born with an email list. We all had to build them from scratch. Every list starts with a single subscriber. It’s about taking that first step and just getting started.

Think about it this way: I started with just 19 email addresses. Yup, 19. And that included my second email address and my wife's email address. But those 19 subscribers were the foundation. From there, it grew and grew. It’s like planting a seed – you nurture it, give it attention, and it starts to grow.

So, if you don’t have a list yet, don’t sweat it. Just start with one subscriber. Add another. And another. It’s not a race, and there’s no finish line. The important thing is to start now. Your list is your connection to your audience, your way to build relationships, and ultimately, your key to success.

Beyond the List: Building Relationships

Building the list is only the first part of the equation. The next crucial step is the relationship you build with that list. Think of it this way: your list is like a garden. You can't just plant seeds and walk away. You need to water them, give them sunlight, and maybe even talk to them a little (or so I've heard!).

The same goes for your email list. It’s not just about collecting email addresses, it’s about building genuine connections. You need to nurture those relationships, offer value, and show your subscribers that you genuinely care about their success.

Here’s a little secret: people don’t just buy products, they buy from people they trust and like. So, treat your subscribers like friends. Share your stories, your insights, and your helpful tips. Be there for them, listen to their feedback, and make them feel valued.

Trust me, the stronger your relationship with your list, the more loyal and engaged they’ll be. And that’s where the magic happens. But, like I said, that’s a topic for another day. For now, just focus on building that list. It’s your foundation, your asset, and your path to success.

It's All About The List (And Your Relationship To That List)

In A Nutshell

Starting a business can be daunting, but the foundation you lay with your email list will pay dividends for years to come. It's your most valuable asset and the one thing you have complete control over. 

So, let’s stop making excuses and start building. One email at a time, one subscriber at a time. Trust me, the effort you put in now will pay off big time in the long run.

If you’re looking to learn how to start a business or grow a successful online business, launching is essential. Enter your best email address here, and I'll send you my Launch Quickstart – a FREE four-part training to help you build a thriving business.