Business Computing Tips

By Karen Fainges

Maintaining a database can be a lot of work. People move house,
change their phone numbers, get married and change their name, it
goes on and on. So how do you keep it up to date? One way is to use
it. Constantly keep in contact with your clients, letting them know
what you are doing, what problems you can help them solve. Every time
you contact them, make sure you include a section asking them to
update their details.

This can help you adapt to change too. Say you have never collected e-
mail addresses before. Send out a letter offering a special showing
for your upcoming specials. Then offer an additional $10 off if you
RSVP by e-mail.

Make it a habit to send 10 minutes each day updating your database.
Check it for errors, add in extra information, take off people who no
longer wish to be contacted. That 10 minutes will give you an
invaluable resource for your business. If you ask your clients if
it's all right to pass their names on, you can even sell you list to
others. If you can guarantee that 80% or more of the names are valid,
it can be worth real money.

"It has to be practical, it has to be cheap, and it has to work."