Are You Asking For Permission or Disaster?

by Maria Marsala

Summary: You may think you're using permission based marketing, however, the person receiving your email may think you're spamming them. Learn more now.

Community groups and businesses alike can create permission-based elists and ezines to build relationships with sponsors, members, clients and future sponsors, members and clients.

If used properly, elists are community builders. If misused, they can get your email address or even your web site shut down by complaining members. OR you can end up picking up your phone to someone irate who then starts to bad mouth your business to his or her friends.

It used to be, that if you ran a contest or met someone at a networking meeting, and then contacted the person by mail or email, that was AOK. Or if you picked up a business card or brochure to send someone your postal newsletter, that was AOK. Spammers and junk mailers have helped change the way things "were done". .

What's a business owner to do? Ask for permission. Anytime someone gives you their card, ask if you can contact them using the information on the card. Ask specific questions regarding the type of contact you'd like to have with them. Asking helps you define what type of future relationship the person is willing to have with you. You'll get a much better idea if they "really" want you to contact them later, or if they're brushing you off, by listening to how they answer your "permission based" questions.

What low cost things can you do to create a permission-based marketing campaign?

• Create permission based index or post card size cards for people to complete.
• After receiving a business card, note on the card, the ways the person has given you to contact them.
• When speaking or conducting workshops create a permission based form to pass around.

Receiving permission is not difficult ¯ it is a more work on your part. This work will pay off in the long run. People who are on your lists will be people who want to be there... they'll be your best readers, referrals, sponsors and clients.

Speed up the permission based marketing process. Request a copy of the Evaluation Form I use when speaking or teaching,

©2007 Maria Marsala, former Wall Street Fortune 200 executive, business strategist, author and speaker. As founder of Elevating Your Business, Maria helps business owners and independent service professionals work smarter and earn more. Learn more and receive free business tools at ElevatingYourBusiness.com

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE?

• You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Internet Veteran, Planning Coach and Operations Consultant, Maria Marsala has been publishing MORE BUSINESS weekly ezine since 1999. If you're ready to make more money, kick-start your markeitng and live a high quality life, get yoru FREE tips now at www.ElevatingYourBusiness.com
• Just request permission to place this article in your newsletter, magazine, or on your web site.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE DURING A PAID ENGAGEMENT?

• You cannot use our articles in your ebook, to teach a class, or during a speaking event, without our written permission, period.