How many email lists are you on? You probably don't even know.

Joseph Singleton with Hite Digital Norman told me that studies have shown in order for us as consumers to give up our email list to a company, the company needs to give us something in return valued at around $15.

I'm amazed at how many studies there are for all things business related, but I digress....

The question around an email list when it comes to networking is, should you add the people you are meeting to your list?

I'll admit I've added an entire group of people who attended the same networking meeting as me to my email list. However, today I would recommend against it. Here's why.

The most obvious reason is that adding people to an email list without their permission is against the law. (Shame on me!)

Second, networking is building relationships, finding opportunities for people that they might not otherwise have but for you. Placing someone on an email list simply because you managed to grab a business card skips an important relationship step. You know, the step in any relationship where you ask someone for permission to be contacted, instead of assuming consent.

I'm happy to report I only sent a few mass emails to my "list" before adopting a new strategy.

Now, I ask people if they might be willing to be on my email list. I send a simple short email that lays out the benefits of joining my list, and then ask if the recipient would like to be added.

The benefits of networking effectively, is that you gather a pool of people to ask if they might be willing to be added to your list. Asking through an email for consent to be added to a list has a few benefits other than increasing the size of your email list.

You stay top of mind when you reach out to them for this request.

If done well, your email list might turn your fellow networker into a client. This means you'll have an opportunity to ask for feedback about your product or service from that person. If she is happy with your business, you'll create a raving fan who will brag about you at the next meeting! If you fall short, you'll build a lot of rapport by asking for feedback, which then gives you an opportunity to improve.

You can offer to join whatever list or subscription program your fellow networkers might have, another rapport building gesture.

You can use this opportunity to invite this person to lunch or coffee, where you'll learn more about him and, as a natural consequence of good conversation, he'll ask about you. Create some curiosity about your business, and ask him if he might be willing to be added to your list.

A request done in this manner will rarely be turned down.

Many marketers have pontificated about how often you should be emailing your list, and this isn't a topic I feel qualified to speak on.

However, if you are asking people via a personal email or an in person conversation to join your email list, they will want to know how many times a week/month their inbox will be hearing from you.

Whatever that frequency is, be honest, and you'll be fine.

I'll end this article by imploring you to always, always be very clear in your reach out emails who you are, and where specifically you have met the person you are emailing. These are the emails you send to people individually, not the emails that you send to a list.

There is nothing more aggravating than getting an email from someone you don't remember that reads,
"Hey, it was great talking to you at the meeting...."

For those of us who attend multiple meetings a week, we need to know exactly where and when we have met you. It's better to overshare than be vague.

"Hi Faithann, we spoke briefly at Gaberino's in Norman last Wednesday during the Mix and Mingle meeting," is a much better email opener. This opener doesn't send brains on activity scavenger hunts. I avoid scavenger hunts of any variety.

Go network my friend, and remember:

While digital, emails still have a relationship component to them. Add people to your list with relationship in mind.

The Networker's Tour Guide, Faithann Basore, and her husband Dave have owned Window Cleaning Plus (WCP) for 10 years. Growing WCP through networking has given Faithann the desire to guide other small business owners through the networking terrain so they can feel comfortable and build long lasting relationships in their business.

Got networking questions? Email me at [email protected].