Creating your own lists

[Chris Balestriere]

Hello BPers,

I've built many lists (pre-foreclosure, absentee, probate) and am in the beginning stages of send out mailings to them; testing out the waters to see if these hand made lists work. I have found some success (leads that we have and are still perusing), but no deals. I know it is still early in the game and I don't EXPECT it to work out so soon (First mailing was to about 500 in May, so we haven't been at it too long, have done only 2 other mailings since), but I want to make sure my lists are on the right track. My question is: how are people out there (specifically in Connecticut, but anywhere will help) either creating and coming up with lists that find success and bankable leads? Or are most buying lists(from list source or anywhere else)? I've obviously heard of list source, which everyone uses (but I'm not really interested in recycled lists that others are mailing to already). I've also heard of people going to the source at city hall or the probate court and asking nicely ( I plan to make my first trip today), but are there any other people out there making their own lists and finding success. If so, how? What techniques are you using? Any creative ideas are welcomed and I am happy to share my experiences with other curious list makers.

Sincerely,

Curious Marketer