Autoresponders as a Networking Tool

Networking is the process of building strong, mutually-beneficial business relationships with persons who know, like and trust you. Autoresponders are automatic replies to requests made through e-mail. They are very often used to distribute sales information and company marketing material. How can an automated process be used to build a relationship with another person, and not just sell to them? 

Let's look at a few examples of ways to use autoresponders to help build relationships. Remember, these ideas are geared toward helping people get to know, like and hopefully trust you more. 

Use autoresponders to make available articles you have written. These could be articles about your profession or industry, or "Letters To the Editor" that you wrote about causes you support, or pet peeves you have. Both of these types of writing tell a lot about you, the person- your expertise, your personal style, but most important in the relationship-building process- what YOU feel are priority issues, and where you stand on them. 

Put a list of references on an autoresponder. Be sure to get permission to use people as references. Putting them on an autoresponder allows people to access them without going through you to do it. This shows that you have a lot of confidence in yourself, and will allow people to "check you out" at any time. 

Put your resume on an autoresponder. You can easily track who requested it this way...Plus, many of us do not want all that personal information out on our websites where we have no way of tracking who saw the information. This is an excellent tool for building relationships AND protecting some privacy at the same time. 

Did you have an interesting online verbal exchange that you would like other to have a chance to read? Put it all on autoresponder. What you said and what they said. This takes away the challenge often seen when sharing conversations with uninvolved parties- misinterpretation due to forgotten or changed words and phrases. 
 
Autoresponders are not just for marketing your firm - they can be a great tool for selling YOU!