Here is a great example of how to waste your email time and money. The From is “service.” Who the heck is that? Looks like spam so I’m not opening it. The Subject line is “dry cleaning coupon.” I don’t need a coupon today and it’s Monday morning. Delete!! The opening line (which I can see in my preview) is “Dear Valued Customer.” Yeah. I’m so valued that I’m anonymous. And let’s go one more. I have never done business with this dry cleaner; I have no clue how they got my email address so I am not happy about that. They probably bought an email list somewhere. But I have no interest in their product so the email is a total waste. They’ve only irritated me. If I should need a dry cleaner soon, do you think I’ll go to them?

Building your business on social media is like renting a house—you’ve decorated it beautifully, but the landlord can change the rules anytime. Your email list, however, is property you own outright. This distinction can make or break a small business when platforms change algorithms or face potential bans.