There is no shortage of search engines on the web that can allow you to find people's names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses. This is especially useful if you want to get in contact with someone you've met at a seminar, socially, or an open house, or if you want to reconnect with an old client or prospect. With people moving every two to four to eight years, it is easy to fall out of touch.

Update your contact database with one of the best implementations of people-finder technology that I've ever found. I use this almost daily - the site is called InfoSpace.

Not only does this site offer the ability to access all of the "Yellow" and "White" page directories in the country, but it includes community information, school resources, public records, weather updates, and a host of other useful features, as well. And, once you've found what you're looking for, the site offers fast and accurate mapping of the home or business, too.

But, what I really like about the site is the ability to perform "reverse" directory searches. Just enter the phone number, and InfoSpace will tell you the name and address that the number is listed under. This is a truly great tool for prospecting FSBO's out of the classifieds, or off yard signs.

While I used to pay hundreds of dollars for a reverse lookup directory just for Ann Arbor, Michigan, I now have access to this information for the entire country; and for free.

It's worth noting that no such database (on the web or in print) is and going to be 100% complete or accurate. But, web based directories are updated much more frequently than those in available in print, and you really can't beat the price!

Published: January 28, 1999

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.