Of course, the main reason we all attend networking activities is to grow our businesses. By making contacts and spreading out our sphere of influence, we give ourselves an increasingly broad collection of prospects. In addition to handing out and collecting business cards, and relying on our memories to make the most of networking activities, many times there are lists available of the other people in attendance. It pays to find out about those lists, and understand the protocol or restrictions in using them.
If you attend a conference or workshop, chances are a list will be provided of all of the other people in attendance. Sometimes, this is included in your registration packet, and other times it will be something you might receive after the conference or workshop has ended. You can also contact the coordinator and ask for such a list, or if no list is available, they may be able to share contact information with your for specific individuals.
For chamber of commerce events, parties, fundraising events, etc.—it may be harder to get a contact list, but it sure doesn’t hurt to try. There may be some restrictions about how you can use it, or you may be required to purchase the list or make a donation, but you can often still get your hands on a list of who was in attendance.
It is important to find out what the restrictions are for the lists you acquire. Often, individuals are asked to consent to whether or not they even want their names released so you should find out if the list is to be used for personal contacts only or if you can use it for doing your own marketing. If you CAN use the list for marketing or business outreach, make sure that you give individuals the chance to opt in or out, telling them where you got the information and who you are. Otherwise, you will be participating in annoying spam. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and try making individual contacts first, prior to some blanket marketing.
Also: Let Customers Know You Are Working For Them
Keeping Your Mailing List Up-to-Date
Have You Thought About Purchasing a Mailing List?