Just got a BIG marketing opportunity!

[Edge Tech NY]

One of my business clients just offered to give me his whole outlook contact list. Its about 200 emails to offices he deals with in my area (Long Island.) He said I can email all of them with a marketing letter to try to get them on board with my MSP agreement.. How do you guys think I should approach this? I don't want to screw this up!

Thanks!

Eric

 

[4ycr]

Are they expecting an email from you? What laws do you have as if they are private emails some places need them to sign up or at least be aware they are going to get an email from you.

As for the rest I am learning as I go so cannot offer any advise.

 

[cmonova]

Seeing that it's only 200 of them I would do up a personal e-mail to each of them utilizing their business name if you have it. Or you can use something like "constant contact" because there is an "opt out" which satisfys law so that is covered.

But, I think the more personnel it is the better.

 

[RicChapman]

I'd probably approach this cautiously especially if your planning an email marketing campaign, because if they've not given their consent to receive your emails then they may be quick to dismiss you as spam and worst case report you with the possibility of having you blacklisted.

I've found in the past that approaching businesses either via phone, post and even places like FaceBook etc is usually a better foundation than an out of the blue email. Certainly requires more work but from my own experience potential new customers appreciate it and will more likely notice you. The email addresses alone should be enough to find the details you need online.

A little research on your potential customers will also help you in deciding who you do and do not want to be doing business with (maybe a couple of bad eggs in the bunch) and will help refine your marketing to particular types of businesses.

Just some thoughts

 

[mraikes]

That IS a nice opportunity. However, would he be willing to email them on your behalf? You know, telling them how wonderful you are, how he couldn't run his business without you and he's just bursting to tell his friends and colleagues about his wonderful discovery (YOU).

THAT would be a message many of those 200 would tuck away for a rainy day.

Otherwise, it's only a little better than sending an unsolicited email to a bunch of people you don't know. Just another tasty bite of spam.

I've had similar opportunities, and new customers will pop up 18-24 months later talking about how they received an email from someone they trust and saved the info all that time. WHO it comes from makes all the difference.

 

[RogueTech]

What kind of business is your client in? He/She can't legally give out personal contact information in certain cases depending on the type of business, method his/her list was retrieved and the location of the business.

Sending the actual email to the list however is actually perfectly legal. As long as the email contains a way for the user to remove themself from the mailing list and/or not to receive email's from you in the future.

As for the email itself, don't use a JPEG standard flyer picture and call it a day. Write a short email, list your top services/references and state you were referred by your business client. If you want to use a supporting picture or spice it up with some color that would be fine.

 

[Edge Tech NY]

I', sure he wont mind if I send it out from his email.. I write it up as if its coming from him with my services included?

 

[MrUnknown]

However, would he be willing to email them on your behalf? You know, telling them how wonderful you are, how he couldn't run his business without you and he's just bursting to tell his friends and colleagues about his wonderful discovery (YOU).

I will second this. A referral from them means a ton more than a letter from you saying you work with them. A simple "Hey everyone, I started using this company for my business and they are GREAT! Give em a call and let them know I sent ya" will mean way way more than anything you would send them.

 

[MrUnknown]

you posted as I did...

If you are writing it as if it were him, do not include pricing or at least do not include too much details about that.

When I am telling someone about something I find, it sounds nothing like a marketing pitch. Also him sharing intimate details about his business, like how much he pays, may not come off as normal.

 

[ljtechservices]

Great that you got the list. and that your client is willing to help.
but to me it's almost as bad as a cold-referral

"so & so" said I can contact you...

how do you feel when you get messages or phone calls like this. Some potential clients could get a little ****** at you both.

It might be more productive if your client could send out an introductory e-mail. In that email he could let them know what he appreciates about your service and how it could benefit them.

This way people that don't know you from the next viagra or stock tip email will have you in mind when you follow up soon after the introductory email.

*shoulda refreshed before i posted, Mr. Unknown and mraikes got to the point before I did.

 

[TLE]

Is he breaching any data protection by giving you email addresses. He certainly would be here in the UK.

 

[ljtechservices]

Is he breaching any data protection by giving you email addresses. He certainly would be here in the UK.

really?

I'm curious. Is this akin to selling a contact list without consent of the people on the list.
I don't know anything about UK laws regarding this kind of thing but where would the line be drawn?
FOr instance say the owner of the list introduced the OP via an email and CC'd everyon on the list. would this be different from the owner just giving him the email addresses?
Or are both events in violation of that law?

 

[callthatgirl]

I would do this, ask him to send out an email to his contacts with your information, a testimonial and a first time client discount for services. This is most important with building a referral list. All three parts in one email.

I have tried this in the past, it failed for the most part but also worked (I did this to 5000 realtors once, I made $1000), but found out I was breaking the CAN-SPAM Act. My email marketing system nailed me on it. Since they caught it, I removed my listings and I was fine, no one reported me as a violator. Most folks are so used to "spam/junk" email that they just delete emails anyway. But many people would be very offended to know that their contact just gave you their list of contacts. I don't think there is a law against him giving it to you, but you want to make sure that you put your best face on those emails.

You got the approval, I would write up a message and ask him to send it out! Way to go on landing that, it's a big deal for 200 contacts.

 

[ProTech Support]

I would take this list, and just come up with a "New Business In Town" type of pitch. Something along the lines of.

Dear Mr/Mrs So&So,

We just wanted to let you know about our new business in town! (Company Name here) is a computer repair company that specializes in (your niche here). We also offer other computer related services such as (more services here).

If you have any questions or would like to know more about what we do, please feel free to give us a call at (your number here)

(Your signature here with all contact info including website)

Obvs. that is off the top of my head, but something like that won't be too intrusive or come off too sales related.