How do you "cold call" without spamming?

[Chicken]

Some people consider that *any* email send unsolicited, even if it is "industry pertinent", is SPAM. By "industry pertinent" I mean not just random spam about roofing or goat sex, etc. Some people think this is OK, and not really SPAM.

So the question is, how does one "cold call" about their services, or at least ask if they can send more info about their services without being reported as SPAM? Even asking if you can email more information about your services could be construed as SPAM.

On one hand, as someone involved in the hosting industry, I don't get as annoyed when I get emails about wholesale domain prices, however I would if I got loads of these emails. I'm interested in domains, so maybe it is more coincidence than anything (meaning I'm really just flat out getting spammed, and that's that, but I seem to care less because of my interest of domains).

I mean, sure I have a house, but I don't want emails about new roofs. Sure I have a *ahem* penis, but I don't want 600 emails about penis enlargements, etc. So really it has less to do with whether it is SPAM and more to do with my interest of certain things, which can't be guessed (emailing others), and the frequency of these emails.

So I'd love to email some of the people I've talked to over the years about HHO, but I don't want to SPAM them. I'm not sure how you handle this (regardless of the service you provide).

[interactive]

I think it all depends on the amount. The thing though that pisses me off about those "check out my web cam" or "enlargement sites" is that they spam the heck out of everyone, and the fact they provide no way to remove yourself. If I get 1 and only 1 email about a product, that I never requested information about I'm fine with it. There's certain things you have to live with in life. If you knew them at one time or another I think it would be fine. Just think about it from there perspective.

[nameslave]

I guess what differentiate spams from legitimate unsolicited communication is whether your e-mail or fax or letter is specifically tailored to the recepients. I do NOT send out ****, generic e-mail or fax to even a targeted sector; instead, I spend time on doing research on individual potential clients and custom-write a sale letter that hits his nerve (e.g. as a web designer, I'll point out that the contact form on his website is not working). This significantly escalates the chance of finally getting some business.

For snail mail, I go through the local chamber route to send out mass mailing (some 400). I would identify myself as a fellow chamber member who offers them special M2M (member-to-member) discounts.

[allan]

I think nameslave hit the nail on the head -- the difference between SPAM and a friendly hello is the personalized nature of the message.

If you send a personalized message to people you have a past relationship with, that is generally not considered spam, and is not the kind of thing that would get you botted by any ISP.

[DarktidesNET]

I agree about it not being a bother if it's not constant. After you're on the net for awhile you get used to it.

[Living Media]

My suggestions would be:

* personalise the message
* keep the body of the message brief, hitting the main points (not so brief that it screams "SPAM TEASER!!!" but...you know.)
* provide a link for them to read more about the service or product, or invite them to email you to find out more

If people know you, and if you personalise the message even a little bit, they should realise that this message from you doesn't herald the start of a huge stream of UCE, you're trying to hit the point between "inform" and "impose". I tend to have a low tolerance for spam, but if it comes from someone I have spoken with previously, and the tone of the message is informative / friendly & doesn't sound like it's trying to do me a favour (or doesn't sound nudge-nudge-wink-wink...goat sex? I'm not on that mailing list. Thank goodness. ) I'm not likely to get irritated at the sender.