Build Your Email List through Networking the Right Way
By Eric Groves

If you're like me, you're always networking and meeting new people -- in your place of business, at conferences and events, and at social gatherings. I was recently at a conference and returned home with a backpack full of business cards. Some people might think my first instinct would be to add those new contacts to my email list. But those people didn't necessarily ask to be added to my list, did they?

For those with an email newsletter, when you come in contact with new people, an important thing to do when exchanging cards is ask them if they would like to be added to your mailing list. If they decline, save the contact information, send them a "nice to meet you" message from your regular email account, connect with them on social media if you'd like, and be done with it.

If you're one of the lucky ones with a stack of people who want to be added to the list, I highly recommend reconfirming their permission when you send your first newsletter or your thank you message just to make sure A) they remember agreeing to be on your list and B) they still want to be on your list. Here's how to reconfirm permission:

Upload the new people into their own segment separate from your general mailing list. The first time you send these new people a message -- be it a thank you for joining, nice to meet you at the tradeshow, or a copy of your regular newsletter -- add a confirm permission link at the top of the message, which will kindly remind recipients that they asked to be on your list and gives them the option of opting out. Add those who do confirm to your regular list. Each email provider handles the details in a slightly different manner, but you should be able to customize the confirmation message so that the person knows where they signed up (e.g. "Great meeting you at [event]. Thanks for joining our list.")

Reconfirming permission is a good practice any time you upload a batch of names collected at a tradeshow or another event. It gives the subscribers a reminder that they did signup and lets them opt-out easily if they've had a change of heart.

A reminder: Never (repeat, never!) add people to your list just because they gave you a card. You have to get permission. When it comes to your email mailing list, it's always best to have it contain addresses of people who want to receive your communications.
 

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