You’ve just connected with me on LinkedIn…congrats!

But instead of sending me a direct message on LinkedIn saying “Hi” or “Thanks for the connection” you do something else.

Something that could get you fined.

Oh, but Rob, I didn’t know” is not the answer I want to hear.

You’re a grown up, learn the rules.

You see, what I’m talking about is the heinous act of scraping my email from LinkedIn and adding me to your email newsletter.

Yes, I said heinous.

“But, Rob, we connected on LinkedIn”.

Yes, and that’s great. But I didn’t tell you to add me to your email list, nor was I even asked to be subscribed to your email list and frankly, I find it appalling that you would think it’s acceptable in any way.

But how do I know you, in fact, scraped my email from LinkedIn?

Well with each social network I use a unique email just for that account. These emails are not used anywhere else.

So when these “newsletters” are attentioned to me using the assigned email…. you are busted. Caught red-handed.

Although in most cases, your email to me is the dead give-a-way.

“Since we are LinkedIn friends, I thought you might be interested in my newsletter.”

It’s spam…plain and simple.

“Oh, but Rob, my marketing genius says it’s okay to do.”

Well, “la-de-da” then, right?

I don’t care what genius told you to do it…it’s wrong and downright annoying!

And it could lead to a huge fine. Oh, yeah….HUGE!

Up to 10 million dollars huge!

Let me fill you in on the details…

Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) establishes rules for sending commercial electronic messages (CEMs) and prohibits the unauthorized alteration of transmission data. Most importantly, the legislation requires that consent be obtained before sending a CEM. CASL applies to every CEM sent from or accessed by a computer system located in Canada.

CASL provides the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) – the enforcement agency under the legislation – with new investigatory powers, as well as the ability to impose administrative monetary penalties of up to $10 million per violation. CASL also includes a private right of action that allows individuals and companies to sue and recover damages resulting from violations of the Act.

“Well, Rob, I’m not Canadian so this doesn’t effect me.”

You think so, right?

Do you know that for a fact?

What if you didn’t know where the email you just scrape from was going?

What if it was indeed going to someone in Canada and you didn’t know it?

Are you prepared for the fine?

Why risk it?

Do the right thing and instead of scraping an email, introduce yourself through LinkedIn direct message and learn about me or whomever you are connecting with, then if they are interested in learning more, suggest they subscribe to your newsletter.

Learn to engage through conversation and trust building and you’ll discover fans will stick around and help you grow. 

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Rob is affectionately known as “Mr. Sarcasm” to his friends - to everyone else he’s a Certified Digital Marketing Strategist, a Foremost Expert On Specialized SEO, a Best Selling Author, Podcaster, Speaker and Authority Broadcaster who can help amplify YOU to your audience.

Rob has authored, coauthored or produced over 40 books covering social media, search engine optimization, podcasting, copywriting, personal injury law, weight loss, military law, life lessons, scams, sarcasm, customer service and more. His book clients include lawyers, speakers, doctors, real estate professionals and more.

Rob is also host of The E-Heroes Interview Series available on Apple, Amazon, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify & many other podcast channels. Rob works inside corporations across the globe, helping companies generate new revenue and capture online business.

Rob is also available to share talks and give interviews. To learn more and to get started visit www.AnspachMedia.com or call Anspach Media at (412)267-7224 today.