Some people will not put their email address on cards that are passed out at a trade show, but if they really want to have you contact them, they do. Contacting via email is so common place today. It is instant contact and instant deletion. The information flows faster than ever when you have an email address. Our company works with a number of clients that exchange all of their information using email. They send images, have company meetings, and even develop training materials all through email. There is little need for face to face; the use of email overcomes long distances. I keep in constant touch with my children who live a 16 hour drive away. I basically talk to them everyday using chat software and sending emails. I still call them on the phone, but email is so fast, we can leave notes for each other and respond later. The cost is so small as well. Businesses cannot survive and do well if they do not have email to process orders, send information and get it there on a timely basis. For example, you will send most press releases today via email. You even have a shorter period of time in which to catch attention of editors. Some papers, however, still want to have faxes. Email also has its problems. If you sign up for some newsletters, you will end up on mailing lists and get spam mail. I only sign up for companies that say they will not sell the list. I actually use a separate email for newsletters in order to keep my personal email box fairly clean from spam. If you have your own domain (web address), I would suggest you do the same. Use one address for signing up and the other for conducting business. All of your web information such as email address needs to be on your printed materials. It is a way that potential customers can feel comfortable contacting you. Email is actually far more comfortable than picking up the phone and calling. Sometimes you will send an email and then need to follow up with a phone call. You would do this if you are sending out a press release. |
