Got a tiny email list? You’re not alone. In fact, every single one of the most successful, “have it all” entrepreneurs once had a tiny list. Marie Forleo, Amy Porterfield, Seth Godin—they all began with a single subscriber, just like you did. 

But they didn’t let that hold them back. They made list building a daily habit and they didn’t commit any of the three mistakes that are right now causing you to waste time and leave money on the table. 

Mistake #1: Failing to Promote

Whether you have 10 email subscribers or 10,000, they have one thing in common: they turn to you for advice. And that means they’re looking for your emails. When you don’t connect with them on a regular basis (at least weekly), you are failing to sustain your end of the relationship. Your subscribers need to hear from you. They count on you to help them make buying decisions, to offer solid information about your niche, and to help them grow. 

As your customers deal with the impact of the Coronavirus, you may feel that they don’t want to hear from you right now.  You may be thinking that this isn’t the right time to be promoting your business. This mindset will damage your business!

When you fail to promote your products and services, or worse, when you simply don’t email them at all, you’re letting your subscribers down. They want and need to hear from you, so if you go silent they will begin to drift away and it will be difficult to get them back.

Mistake #2: Not Reaching Out to Potential Partners

While it’s true that there are some people in every industry who won’t look at you twice if you can’t boast a certain list size (5,000 seems to be their target number), there are plenty of others who value quality over quantity. If you let yourself be intimidated into hiding until your list reaches some arbitrary number, you’re doing your business a disservice. You’re missing out on opportunities to increase your list, earn more customers, and grow your circle of influence in your niche. 

So the next time you see an opportunity to join a tele-seminar, supply a product for a charity or group offer, host a webinar, or get interviewed on a top podcast, don’t hesitate. Let people know you’re interested in providing great content that has value for everyone. Over time, you will begin to be known as a “go-to” person who can deliver an excellent product and service.

Mistake #3: Putting Off Product Development

Waiting for the perfect time to launch your new eCourse or product line? Don’t. 

Similar to having a child, buying a house, or launching a new business, there is no “perfect time.” The stars will never align, you’ll never have “enough” money, and your list will never reach the ideal size. If you keep waiting for that magical moment when everything comes together in just the right way at just the right time, you’ll never do it. Remember “timely over perfect” should be your mindset when creating products and services.

Today is the day you need to begin creating your eCourse or working on a new campaign or product line. Don’t put it off another minute. Your audience—no matter how small right now—is waiting, and they’re counting on you to deliver your talent to them. Stick with it and make list building a priority in your business.