B2B emailing or spam?

[Adam]

I'm contemplating purchasing an email list of heads of training from www.electricmarketing.co.uk in order to send out some promotional emails. But I do not want to be seen as a spammer nor contribute to the overall spam problem. Electric marketing claim that theirs is an opt-in database made from direct telephone contacts every 4 months. What are the feelings and opinions of forum members in relation to using this form of marketing?

Adam

[davidhorn]

Hi Adam - and welcome to the forum,

You could ask to speak to some of their customers - as a reference, if you're concerned about whether the emails are genuinely opt-in.

You should think of your email as a door to door salesman and your recipients as potential customers behind those doors ... if a salesman knocked on your door, what would make you a) open the door, and b) invite the guy in?

Well, if he identified who he was first, that would be a start. If he knew who you were, that would also be good. If you knew him, that would be even better. If he had something you needed, he'd be almost in the door, but if he'd met all previous criteria and he had something you *wanted*, you'd almost certainly let him in.

So, how can your emails get that same result? Identify who you are, and what you're doing straight away. If you can show that you know the person, do so ... Dear aolusername is no good, but Dear Mr. Smith shows some respect. It's unlikely that they know you, so you're going to have to get around that by really having something they want - make sure your product is targeted at the right group.

I personally have very few objections to relevant, specific, offers that arrive in my inbox, and if people treat me with courtesy in their emails, then I'm fine, and I think most other B2B people will be as well. But be aware that you are entering someone's personal space - their home ... be cordial and don't out stay your welcome!

Good luck,

David

[chicken/egg]

Hi Adam

I actually recommend electricmarketing to quite a few of my clients as a good resource for quality lists.

My only comment would be if you do have the time to do a quick datacheck as there are the occassional 'movers' and there is nothing worse than mailing the wrong person!

Hope this helps.

Karen

[Adam]

Hi David, Karen

Thanks for both of your (well considered and thought out) input... I'll let you know how I get on:-)

Adam