Who Makes "The List" - A Real World Look At List Building

So I was writing a serious blog post over at thrivecontactsystem.com about List Building for Entrepreneurs and Realtors and I noticed that while it was good I couldn't really say some of the things that I was REALLY thinking. Since my friends here on Active Rain are a twisted bunch I figured you guys might like the real scoop without the serious tone!!!

10 Real World Tips For List Building

1. Make sure you send out good stuff - I can't tell you how many times I get a post from someone that you can tell just "phoned it in" to have something to send. Take a little time and make it worth your readers while!
2. Have a database - This one seems self explanatory BUT I know of one very successful agent who was using a word doc, shoe boxes and old files when she did her mailings. And it worked! The difference now is it takes her about a fourth of the time that it used to take. For heaven's sake, at the very least get everyone you know into a spreadsheet!!! Include First Name, Last Name, Address 1, City, State, Zip, Email and Phone. That way you can upload it to a real database when you get it! 
3. Stop trying to decide who goes on "The List" like it is a red carpet opening - I have seen agents and mortgage guys agonize for HOURS over whether they really should add their hairdresser to the list and if it will be worthwhile. Quit thinking about it SO much, if you are sending out great stuff you can be sure no one that you know will be horrified that you send them an email or postcard!!
4. Stop handing out business cards - Hide them from yourself for a week and see if it makes you ASK other people for their card. Add those people to your database. Nuff said.
5. Stop Procrastinating! - If you are not a database programer and you are not sending out follow up emails because you don't know how, make a word doc with them in and send them manually. I guarantee, if you do that you will make enough money to hire a 12 year old who will set up your whole auto-responder system, categorize your database and finally fix your signature for the cost of a movie and popcorn. They know how this stuff works from the womb! PLEASE do not break any child labor laws and use the defense that "Tara said to do it!"
6. Speaking gets you people for your list - When you stand up in front of classes and are at least mildly interesting you can get their email address. Add those to your database. Invite them to other classes you teach and become even MORE of an authority! Offer a prize for their email - people are suckers for prizes!
7. Network for people to put in your database - Attend any free meetings you can find on Meetup.com. This has to be the easiest way ever to get new list members! Sit down next to someone, ask them to pass the peas and then say "Oh can I get your card"...:)
8. Online Social Networking - FINALLY I can justify spending tons of time dinking around on the internet. "Really Honey, I am not just surfing for new curtains, I am social networking!" All kidding aside, I see AMAZING amounts of leads everyday on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and they are all FREE!
9. Your Sphere - I know, you have added everyone already but have you thought of your husband's friends, your father's pinochle group, your kid's friend's parents? You need to jack up your family members for those names. I have closed two listing sides, two buyer sides and had multiple opportunities because I made my husband give me a list of his co-workers. Then I bribed them by sending little goodies by for each holiday. It works!
10. Don't EVER, NEVER, EVER listen to someone who tells you that you can make ONE MILLION DOLLARS by spamming your list with products that you don't believe in! I have people ask to me send out things to my list all the time - even when they are using marketing materials that bash the majority of my list members. List building is marathon not a sprint so take your time and don't believe it is a get rich quick opportunity!