The best first step in target marketing is to take at least 10 minutes and make a list of potential prospects. Write down everyone you can think of who would benefit from using your product, or by joining your business. Don't hold back. Remember, you can always go back and edit this list.

Once you have everyone down on paper, it's easier to visualize and organize what direction your marketing should go. This is a vital blueprint to a strong business foundation.

Now, go down through your list and number these prospects based on how interested each group would be. If you're not sure, write down benefits your business would have next to each target.

Once you feel comfortable with order, you can just start at number one! This list can be modified as you learn more about your own product, and as you find hottest leads on your list.

If your goal is to build a hugely successful business, target marketing is one of best ways to narrow your focus. This will save you A LOT of energy so that your marketing efforts do not fall on deaf ears.

* Settle for nothing less than developing exceptional communication skills. The written word still rules web. Quick tip: Learn to write like you talk, not like you write.

* Build and NUTURE your list. Sure, almost everyone knows how important it is to build a list ... and it's hard enough. But truth is building list is easier part. The real challenge is in keeping your list interested and responsive. Again, content and communication skills are vital here.

* Help others. This builds your reputation, as well as cultivates a network of resources, both informational and sales building. Somewhere down road your friends may be excellent Joint Venture partners and/or Affiliates.

* Remember that great majority of surfers are looking for information, not products. Many ezine ads and websites are 'tuned out' for same reasons we change TV channel during commercials. So, provide information, and then promote that information.

* Inject your personality. Not pleasing everybody is better than not pleasing anybody when people just can't get a feel for you.

* Get your name out there. Write articles, post at forums, submit 'subscriber introductions' or 'subscriber feedback' where accepted. Brand, brand, brand for trust and credibility.

* Be unique. Stand out from pack. Ads, ezines and websites can quickly blur into mass of 'sameness'. Great copy and website design is wasted if message is "same old, same old".

*Spend quality time with your Affiliates. Encourage and teach those who are making extra effort.

Follow these basics and learn these skills. Sure, your favorite Guru can put up a new site, start promoting and quickly get a good response. But only because he or she has already built a solid foundation.

So, don't be tempted to jump ahead before you can even see those 96 mile-per-hour fastballs. Progress through basics and you just may find yourself hitting them out of park.