Instagram spam (the saga continues)

A few days ago, I ranted a bit about some Instagram spam I got on some Instagram posts I've recently published.

Pushing their course to help new business owners make it to $1 mil in a year.

Well, the company didn't stop at Instagram. 

Yesterday, I received 3 emails from them pushing their program.

Here's the thing...

I never opted-in for their stuff.

They found my email address and emailed me without my consent. 

They are no longer like the Billie Eilish song, "Bad Guy" (catchy and creepy at the same time).

Now they're just creepy.

And no amount of pink is going to make me think otherwise...

A woman lying in bed? Talking about Karma?

What are they selling here?

And does this actually work for them?

Do people get their uninvited emails and think, "Oh, how clever and proactive of them to find my email address just because I visited their page once. Of course, I'll sign up for their program."

While this company is on the worst end of the spectrum when it comes to emailing without permission, I do see it play out in less offensive ways.

I'd like to share why I think this is a bad business practice and what to do instead.

First, it has made me incredibly uncomfortable. I don't want to damage the relationship, but I'm also just not interested in what they have to sell.

Second, it straight up leaves a bad taste in my mouth so I'm less inclined to buy from them or refer them to someone I know.

Finally, because I don't want to damage the relationship, I don't unsubscribe even though I want to. And now I get these emails I'm not interested in cluttering up my inbox.

Ok, so what to do instead.

Ask permission no matter what. 

Whether that person is coming through an opt-in form, is an old friend, or a new contact you've just met, get their okay.

If it's someone you know or have met in person, it's just a matter of letting them know what you're doing now and seeing if they're interested, or might know someone who is.

If it's an opt-in form to a freebie giveaway, you can just give them a heads up that you'll be sending them your best tips and strategies ongoing and they have the option to unsubscribe at any time.

Before they ever put their name and email in the form, they know that they'll be getting emails from you. That gives them the opportunity to say no if they're not interested.