Everyone in business needs information. A business owner only has so much time, so it would be easy to miss industry news that affects them, or even more devastating, they could miss an opportunity to make a profit. You can help.

Make a list of your clients to keep at your desk. Also, keep directories of organizations you belong to. Review these lists frequently so you know what people do. These people are your contacts. They need your help. By helping them you also help yourself.

For yourself, you should already be reading the local papers every day. In addition you should read USA Today and the Wall Street Journal. Read headlines on internet news services for breaking news as well. As you find something that affects a contact, copy or print out the information. Then you simply mail the information to your friend or client. You mail this so there is a hard copy that reaches their desk. Add a line like, "I thought you might find this useful.” Be sure to sign it. You find the information to help them. You send the copy to help you.

Okay, now what are you looking for? Nothing in particular, everything in relation. Be selective.

Here are some examples of what I've done:

I've sent notices of job bids for new school windows to a client that sells and installs commercial glass I've sent notes to real estate developers on property they may have missed I've sent articles about new businesses to insurance agents I've sent comments about community action to clients who sit on various boards of directo

As you can see, what you send out varies by what you find. Now, you are not your own clipping service. Don't spend a ton of time on this, but as you read be thinking about others.

What you don't want to do is send a whole bunch of mail to the same people. You'll look like you're doing this for a living OR worse, yet; you'll look like this is advertising yourself. Keep in mind, that all you're really doing is finding valuable information for people whom you think will benefit and then sending that information to them. You are sharing.

By helping others do better in business and the community, you will be rewarded as well. Individuals appreciate and remember people that look out for them.