Entry-level permission marketing

In a recent email tip to my list, I made a recommendation that the best way to get permission to add someone to your email newsletter list is to ask:

"May I keep in touch with you by sending you my Quick Tips from Marketing Mentor (or fill in the blank)?"

Most people will say yes, but some, for whatever reason, will say no.

When they do, don't be offended and don't stop the conversation there. Instead, use this reply:

"I'm sure you get a lot of email but I want to stay top of mind in case a need comes up,
so how do you prefer I stay in touch?"

That way, you find out their preferred mode of communication and you can use it with their blessing.

Comments

[Dani Nordin]

I've definitely used that line in the case where I meet someone that I really want to keep in touch with; one of the things I've noticed, however, as my business grows, is that while it's important to have ways of keeping in touch with people, it's equally important to determine whether someone you meet is worth the effort of keeping up with them beyond the normal e-newsletter/occasional e-mail or coffee-break routine. Too often, I get overwhelmed with this idea of trying to keep with (and keep track of) everyone I meet at every event I go to - it can be exhausting if you let it.

[Nicole Bandes]

Dani is right. It can be exhausting to try to build a great relationship with everyone you meet. Some things I have found beneficial in determining who is worth keeping up with...

1. Do I like the person and have something in common? Are they someone I might actually enjoy keeping in touch with? After all, if I don't like them, aren't I just pushing my business on them if I'm trying to stay in touch?

2. Do I have something I might be able to give back to this person? I don't mean what I'm selling but possibly a referral or suggestion to help grow their business.

3. Is this person a golden goose? A golden goose, as opposed to a golden egg, is someone that isn't just a great prospect but can provide me with a lot of other great prospects.

And then, of course, it's important to have the tools to actively keep in touch with that person. It can be a card file, Outlook, a database manager, anything that works to remind you to follow up periodically with phone calls, emails and, of course, greeting cards!

Nicole,
I love to send out cards again