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Email marketing is still as relevant today as it was 10 years ago (despite what social media teens say).

I'll prove the point to you…

What you do first thing in the morning when you get to work is generally the most important form of communication – and 56% of people still check their emails as soon as they turn on their computers…

…As opposed to only 16% who check social media. So, as I've said before email marketing is, and should be a priority in your business.

So with that in mind I want to share this great article from one of my personal mentors which she wrote just yesterday…

She's a wizz at providing content and building community using email and this article could help you grow not only your income but the loyalty of your customers.

So without further ado…

A Like Minded Community Wins Every Time

By MaryEllen Tribby

When is the last time you received an email promotion, a piece of direct mail or a phone solicitation for a product or service and said . . .

“Wow that marketer nailed it. Their message resonated with me and I am ready to buy?”

If that rarely happens and you receive promotions all the time, chances are good that you are on the wrong “list”.

And, there lies the problem.

Most marketers are concerned with bragging about a big ole’ list instead of going the extra mile to build a like-minded community.

Bigger Isn’t ALWAYS Better 

You hear these terms and read these subject lines all the time in the Internet marketing industry:
•   List Building on Steroids
•   Massive List Growth
•   Mega List Building
•   Build a List of 100,000 Names While You Sleep
But what the “IM” rock star guru often forgets to tell you is that the number of names you have shouldn’t be your top priority.

The fact is, you can have a list of ten million names… But if they aren’t responding to your offers, they are worth nothing to you.

You see, a name on your list only counts if it is responsive.

So how do you get the people on your list to be responsive?

First of all, you need to stop seeing your list members as e-mail addresses… and realize that behind each name is a real live person.

Then you must make sure that you engage, enlighten, entertain, or educate your list.

When you manage to achieve all four, you’ll have the makings of a community. A group of like-minded people with similar challenges, wants, needs, likes, and dislikes.

Until you understand this, all the PPC ads, joint ventures, search engine marketing, media buys, direct mail messages, banner ads, and dedicated e-mails in the world will not do you one bit of good.

 

First Things First! 

Before you go out and spend two grand on the latest “killer” CPA course, you need to master…

The 10 Core Principles of Building a Community

1) Decide on your distribution channel(s): Before people join your community, they need to hear from you. You can create a newsletter; videos, webinars, teleconferences, membership websites, and/or a magazine to get your message out to the people you are trying to connect with.

2) Give Value: Too many entrepreneurs are afraid to give away valuable information. Instead they give away useless fluff. Then they don’t understand why “their community” will not buy their products! Show that you are a “giver” first and the sales will follow.

3) Say It Loud/Say It Proud: Always take a stand. Don’t vacillate on issues.  Make your heroes and enemies well-known. And, of course, make sure you can state your mission in your sleep.

4) Be Authentic: I know “authenticity” seems like such a buzzword lately… but you have to be true to who you are. Don’t try to be your competitor, your best friend, or the person your mother wants you to be. Be you. If your message is not coming from your heart, your community will sense that you’re being insincere. And your message will not be effective.

5) Create Disciples: A little TLC goes a long way. When you see someone in your community who needs special attention, give it to her. Over-deliver on EVERY promise you make. And always be willing to refund someone’s money – even if he asks for it once the refund period has ended.

6) R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Do not send promotions or content to your community unless you believe in what you’re sending. Make sure you have checked out every product and person BEFORE you introduce them to your community.

7) Repetition: Speaking with your community once every four months just doesn’t cut it. I’m not saying you have to send out an e-newsletter every day. But keep in mind that the more value you give your community, the more committed to you they will be.

8)  Walk the Walk: Your commitment to your community and cause should show with every step you take. Don’t say one thing and do another.

9) Perfection Is Overrated (and in most cases unobtainable): Don’t be afraid to show your flaws. We are all human. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Sometimes things don’t get done. Sometimes things fall through. Sometimes we make mistakes. When those things happen, don’t try to hide the fact. Explain it and move on.

10) Connect Others Freely: Two heads are better than one and three are better than two. If you realize that one of your connections will make a huge difference in someone else’s life, make the introduction without expecting anything in return.

Adhere to these principles and you won’t just have a list of “names” to market to. You’ll have hoards of fans screaming to get their hands on everything you have to offer.

Seth Godin calls it a “tribe.” Dan Kennedy calls it a “herd.” I like the good old-fashioned term “community.” Whatever you chose to call it, realize how powerful it is to have this collective of like-minded people all devoted to YOU and YOUR message. Never forget that your group invests their time, money, and faith in you. A “list” of “e-mail addresses” can’t do that. But real live people can.