In just a few minutes, by reviewing your email sent and received folders, you are likely to identify 20, 30, 60, 100, or even more potential contacts. Because you have relationships with each contact, you have implied permission to broadcast your email health messages.

Sign-up slips YES, sign-up sheets NO . . .

Some individuals will feel uncomfortable placing their names and email addresses on sheets where they can be viewed by others. A better approach is to use individual sign-up slips.

A sign-up slip can be constructed of paper or cardstock, or may be printed on the backs of your business or personal cards. When making a new contact:

“You should be receiving my health messages that I email from time to time. I think you will find them insightful and thought-provoking. You can unsubscribe at any time. Just print your first name, initials, email address here (offer a sign-up slip and pen) and I’ll add you to my distribution list.”

Your name and title should appear somewhere on the slip with:

YES, I want to receive your health messages. You will not share my email address with others, and I can unsubscribe at any time.

First Name_________________ Initials______

Email_________________________________

Card exchanges

Although you may have business cards (perhaps supplied by an employer to benefit your employer), consider having personal cards that focus entirely on your personal brand and benefit you. Suggested card features:

Waist-up or headshot photo (not with another person, not with your pet, not taken at a vacation destination, and not with a cluttered background). An easily-obtained passport-type photo will suffice.

Your name and academic degree(s).

Your certification(s) and/or specialty or specialties.

Your slogan.

Developing a slogan forces you to express your personal brand in just a few words. It’s a good exercise, even if you choose not to use that slogan on your cards.

Your contact information.

If you are a pharmacy owner, the name of your pharmacy.

On back of each card, sign-up slip dialogue (see above).

Instead of merely exchanging cards with contacts, you can produce a second card and request permission to broadcast your health messages.

Link in your website and/or social media . . .

Place a link in your website and/or in your social media to enable users to request your health messages (first name, email address, and permission).