Are You Spamming Your Contacts without Knowing?

Have you ever handed someone your business card only to find an eNewsletter in your Inbox a few days later?

If this has happened to you, congratulations! You’ve been SPAMMED!

You may be thinking, “But that’s not spamming. We know each other.”

But the truth is, whether you are acquaintances or best friends is irrelevant. Adding someone to a bulk email list without his or her permission is spamming.

Spam is defined as Unsolicited Bulk Email (UBE). Spam means the email is unsolicited AND bulk.

We all receive either unsolicited email (e.g. sales inquiries, referrals) or bulk email (e.g. subscriber newsletter, customer communications). But when it’s both, it’s spam.

The bottom line is:  When someone hands you a business card, that person is not handing you permission to put him or her on your eNewsletter list or any other type of bulk mailing list…unless you ask first.

Permission-based marketing is the best way to conduct business today. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do.

When I’m speaking with someone, I’ll say, “I have a monthly newsletter that addresses communication issues. I’ll be happy to add you to the list, if you like. You can always unsubscribe if the content isn’t your cup of tea.”

I’ve only had a couple of people say no, and I appreciated their honesty. And I offer the option to unsubscribe in order to give them an “out” if they’re aren’t comfortable saying no to my face.

Generally speaking, group membership is the only time you can send an unsolicited bulk email without it being considered spamming. Most members are receptive to receiving discounts and special offers from other members.

Even then, not all members are excited about more items in their Inbox. Be sure to check with the membership office before sending. Don’t assume it’s okay, don’t send too often, and always include an unsubscribe option in every email.

If you’re guilty of inputting every email address from last night’s networking event into your database, please stop. It does not make a good impression and may actually hinder you from doing business with the person you are spamming.

Here’s to a Refreshing and Productive Day!