Permission is Not Implicit

It seems that every time I go to a networking event I end up on yet another newsletter mailing list.

I used to get annoyed by this.  I don't anymore because I truly think that most people think it is ok to put me on their list because I put a stack of my business cards on a table.  Like I was giving them implicit permission to do whatever they want with my information.

Permission must be explicit by it's very nature.  How can you assume that someone gives you their permission unless they tell you specifically "Yes, it's ok to add me to your email list?"  Right?  If you think differently about this, I'd really like to hear it.

It's like saying "my number is in the phone book so it's ok to harrass me with stupid irrelevant jokes about chasing after my refrigerator."

Well, I'm telling you... it's not OK.

If you have a mailing list, or are thinking of starting one for your business, please remember this one guiding principle.

Permission is not implicit.  It must be explicit in order for you to build your list ethically and organically.  If you're not sure what the difference is between explicit and implicit, look it up on dictionary.com.

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