Ask people whether they want your e-newsletter

E-newsletters are a great way of keeping in regular communication with people, but resist the temptation to sign up everyone you meet at networking events to your e-newsletter. You may not be breaking the law, but it is unprofessional and bad business practice to sign up people without asking their permission.

There are now so many e-newsletters in circulation that your e-newsletter needs to be distinctive or people will delete it without reading it. The most successful e-newsletters primarily provide content of interest to their readers.

Over time, by providing a consistently interesting e-newsletter, you establish your credibility and develop a sense of community with your readers. You can use your e-newsletters to promote your business, but in a low-key manner. For instance, I promote my courses in my e-newsletter, but it’s never the first item.