One of the fundamentals that every business should constantly work on is building a list of interested prospects and fanatical customers. By doing so, you're able to build a relationship with your prospects and hopefully convert them into paying customers. At the same time, you can encourage referrals and repeat purchases from your existing customers. For more details www.freelist-pro.com But of course, the catch is actually going about building your list in the first place. Whether it's an email list or a list with names and mailing addresses, it's a good idea to have something to offer in return...something that entices people to sign up for your list in the first place. Here are a few ideas for the types of things you can offer to build your list.

1. An Audio Recording - Audio is quick and easy to create and can be done in a single day. The audio could either be you by yourself, just speaking into the mic, or it could be a telephone interview where you interview an expert in your market (or better yet, where someone interviews you). The audio can either be made available online or burned to a CD and mailed to the subscriber's physical mailing address.

2. A Special Report - Special reports have been widely used in a variety of markets and can also be created fairly quickly. Some special reports are nothing more than sales letters and I caution against going this route. Instead, provide your readers with valuable information about what your product/service does, how to choose from among the many choices, how it will benefit them, etc. This can also be made available in electronic format (as a downloadable PDF file) or sent to someone's physical mailing address.

3. A Video - A video can be an excellent offer for your list, especially if what you do is highly visual. Let's face it, most people prefer video over audio or print, so video is definitely worth considering. All you need is a standard video camera and video editing software that costs under $100 and it's lights, camera, action!

4. Email Based Training - You can also offer training via email. This could be similar to the type of content you'd include in a special report, audio, or video, but would allow you to communicate with your subscribers over a period of time.

5. A Teleseminar or Webinar - A periodic teleseminar or webinar can be another good way to get interested prospects onto your list. For more details www.mailing-lists-manager.com This could be something as simple as a "prospecting call" where you explain the products/services you offer during the call and do a quick Q&A session. Or you could develop an entire training plan and offer it via teleseminar for free as a way to educate your prospects and convert them into sales.

6. A Discount On Products or Services - Another obvious offer is a discount on the products/services you offer. Retail stores are great at making these types of offers to get people onto their list. However, there's no reason why a service-based business couldn't do the same.

7. A Series of Any of the Above Offers - You can also create a series of all of the above. You could have a series of audios that are sent to your subscribers over time. Or a series of videos, reports or teleseminar calls. And of course, you can mix and match the suggestions above also.