Maybe it was back in the time of drawing circles on the blackboard when it was told to us, that the only way to build a home business empire was through prospecting the ‘warm market’.

So we obediently did as we were told and started to write lists of friends, family members and co-workers, 100 at a time, whom we called expecting to get a hot reception but received a mixed one at best.

As time passed on, the warm market became to look like a ‘yellow pages’ index, names of postmen, dry cleaners and so forth. Yes the transition from the family and friends list had rapidly transformed itself into acquaintances and friendly faces at the book store. Yikes, we had progressed into the N.F.L. - ‘no friends left’ club when it came to pitching a home business opportunity.

Eventually even the luke warm acquaintance list became covered with a layer of thick ice that even the hottest days in Texas could not thaw and revive.

Was the warm market all just an ill conceived marketing plan that someone made up some where and was adopted as an urban legend as the only way to prospect for business? Undoubtedly some people on the initial list, did succumb to our presentations, to save face perhaps or just do the right supportive parent, sibling thing, but in time, we were getting more cold shoulders than warm hand shakes. With due respect, did we ever expect our mother in law who is retired and an avid gardener to want to promote any kind of business opportunity?

We all eventually wake up and come to the realization that the only way to market is to strategically target our advertising to the places where prospects are looking for what we are offering.

So we learn advertising techniques and marketing methods, like placing ads on and off-line, writing articles,writing press releases, creating blogs, buying lead lists, P.P.C. and so forth, generating a stream of excited and interested prospects who are truly interested in what we have to offer.

Was the strategy of marketing to the warm market of family and friends, co-workers and neighbors a bygone business building practice that has had it’s day? Maybe for some, but for others it existed next to the Sasquatch and Yeti, we heard of it, thought we knew some people who had sightings of it but were we really only spreading a myth?

About the Author

Entrepreneur Maria Porter has been Online since 2000 specializing in Coastal Vacations Business Opportunity full time since 2001. She is also the creator of Coastal Vacations website. You may contact her on 866-629-3806. Visit her website for free advertising advice on how to promote your online business.