Business Card = Email Opt-In?

Networking is a huge part of any business career. And, in the process, you end up with stacks of business cards that get exchanged for future reference. But what can or should you do with the information on those cards?

Since it is your business card, they probably assume your tacit approval to contact you about business matters. And LinkedIn is all business, and it is not uncommon to connect there for future collaboration. Otherwise, why did you give them your card?

But I would agree; there is a better, more effective approach. They should always ask before manually adding anyone to any business email list. Exchanging contact information does not mean they have full approval to add you to any list or lists that benefit them.

Otherwise, they are spamming you. You may want to get in the habit of stating, “Please do not put me on any mailing lists.” Then, hand them your card.

Always Ask Before Emailing

Receiving someone’s business card does not permit you to add them to your email lists. Period. You should always obtain the cardholder’s permission before adding them to any mailing list.

For new contacts, the best approach may be to email and say how nice it was to meet them. Then, in that email, ask if they would mind being added to your list. Without this extra courtesy, you risk annoying your new contacts. Not good.

Social Networking

LinkedIn is all about business networking. It is the online comparison to offline networking events. I used to get so many requests from people I had never had any contact with, trying to sell me something, or, without explanation, to be added to my network.

So much so that I decided that, for me, LinkedIn is not where I find my target clients, and I deleted my account. It was not productive and too time-consuming to manage.

Those you may not know very well at first may become great networking opportunities. LinkedIn works because interested parties must ask for and receive your approval before they are added to your network.

So if someone asks to network with you, there is nothing wrong with that. All you have to do is review for potential or decline if you are not interested.

Networking is about getting to know others better so you can — network. Therefore, there is no harm in accepting a LinkedIn connection request to be added to your network so that you have that opportunity. That is, if at some level it makes sense for both sides.

Folks search LinkedIn to build their business and careers, and to learn from others. It could be that they have found enough about you and your business to want to know more. And that’s a good thing!

I agree that online business marketers should be more discerning about whom they choose to network with. There is only so much time in the day, after all. Unfortunately, too many are just collecting a list of connections, which is neither focused nor practical.

Net”work”ing Means You Work at It

The larger your network, the more difficult it is to keep tabs on and connect with individuals. I see some users with thousands in their network. I wonder how many they have actually interacted with personally before adding them to their network.

If I can’t determine where networking would be mutually beneficial, or, based on my years of experience, I know they want to pitch their services to me, I decline. You always have that option — even after the fact.

Unlike many online, I’m not into the number of followers I have. Nor do I worry about the number of folks in my network. Instead, I prefer to add those I know, have communicated with, and can look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with.

When used correctly, business cards and networking requests can lead to new business when it makes sense to connect. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to connect with business owners whose skill sets, services, or companies can complement yours. Then, make the effort to get to know them.