Working With The Subscribers within an Ezine
Posted by the Networking Goddess in Online Networking, Types of Networking, Networking Tools, Networking Groups and Functions, Getting Leads, General
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Working With The Subscribers within an Ezine
More and more business professionals are deciding to offer an ezine as a way of building online credibility. Those same folks have interesting networking opportunities with the subscribers of their ezines, especially if they understand that their subscribers are professionals who have similar interests to each other (they all subscribed to the ezine and are interested in whatever topic that ezine covers).
First, and foremost, I am hoping it is understood without me saying it, that spamming one’s subscribers is not just foolish- it’s just shy of a death wish. Not only will you lose all of your subscribers, but you’ll run the risk of losing your account as well. Don’t even THINK about it.
But other avenues are open to networking with your subscribers or with the subscribers of other ezines. Here are some thoughts:
1. You might include a “Subscriber of the Month” spot in your ezine. This could be an opportunity for subscribers to introduce themselves, or for you to recognize an important contributing
subscriber.
2. Ads in your ezine are networking opportunities with your subscribers-especially if you have a set format for the ad that reads something like:
Hi, I’m Nancy Roebke with Profnet, Inc. I specialize in helping businesses find more business. A good lead for me would be business professionals looking to stop cold calling.
3. Reader surveys are EXCELLENT networking tools. I recently was interested in finding out about the need for a specific service that I was considering adding to my list of services. I designed a survey that would help me determine if there was a need for the service, and what an acceptable price range might be. Editors have used surveys to determine whether to change formats, change content topics and change frequency. Subscribers are very helpful with these topics.
Surveys involving opinions on important topics related to your ezine could be very useful for networking. Ask a question- and then
print answers from your subscribership. This is a great way to find
birds of a feather that THINK alike!
4. Your subscribers are usually more than happy to accept an
occasional mailing from you, asking for their help, or asking them what help they might need. In fact, no ezine editor that I subscribe to has ever contacted me asking me what help I might need. In my ezine, I regularly request that readers submit requests for help, and I’ll do my best to help them or find someone that can.
SUBSCRIBERS can turn their subscription into a networking opportunity, as well. Here are a few things that a subscriber can do to “network” through the ezines they subscribe to:
1. Contact the authors of material that you read that you find very helpful. Saying “Thank You” is a very good way to start a good networking relationship.
2. Let the Editor of ezines know what you think of the material provided in ezines. I don’t know an Editor who isn’t interested in both positive feed back and constructive criticism.
3. Use the ezines you subscribe to as a source for getting help. If you let Editors know that there is a topic that would help you, post will seek out that info, as long as it fits the topic of the ezine.
4. Pay attention to ads. They are a great place to “meet” new suppliers and folks in your same profession. Both open up great networking opportunities.
Be proactive, both as an Editor and as a subscriber. The most passive vehicle- an ezine- can become a much more active source
of networking opportunities, as long as you are active about it. Just another example of how networking is WORK.
Nancy
Your Networking Goddess