Church people are the friendliest people on earth (except maybe used car salesmen)—especially when it comess to folks visiting their church.

They greet you with a warm smile, shake your hand, give you a welcome packet, and ask your name. When you make it a point to visit other churches, they will soon get to know you. And, when they need to patronize a Christian bookstore, they will remember the one whose owner cared enough to support their special meeting.

When they hand you the welcome packet, be sure to fill out the visitor's card. When they ask your name, obviously you will tell them, but be sure to add, "the owner of..." then give the name of the bookstore.

Be careful not to oversell yourself. It not only looks phony, it is phony. Keep in mind that your reason for being there isn't just to drum up business. You are there to be a blessing to that church.

The added benefit of attending special meetings at other churches is that you will often be blessed by the preaching, singing, etc.

Keep an eye on the religious section of your local newspaper. Note who is having special events. Show up.

And here's one last thought. Always carry a supply of bookmarks with you wherever you go. When visiting other churches, it never hurts to give out one or two. Be careful not to over do it. Handing a bookmark to everyone will appear to be overt grandstanding. For more about the effective use of bookmarks, see idea number four.

Idea number 01 - Keep in Touch!