Why is there so much hue and cry about an opt-in mailing list? Well, let's try to analyze the situation. How do you feel when a salesman knocks at your door when you're hurriedly getting ready for the office? Do you tear your hair out when you find your inbox flooded with unsolicited emails? If you find yourself nodding your head up and down for both these questions, then as an entrepreneur why do you feel agitated about issues and laws pertaining to commercial emails? To make things simple and palatable, let's delve out the benefits of building an opt-in mailing list.

1. A life-long commitment- When a person signs up to your mailing list, he not only expresses interest in your product, but also makes a commitment to develop and sustain a long-term relationship with you. Now, it is up to you how you define, fortify and enhance this relationship. Your subscriber considers you his friend, philosopher and guide, and confers upon you the right to recommend products and services that are beneficial to him. This commitment and faith creates a picture that is far, far better than direct sales pitch.

2. An effective market research tool- Your mailing list is an invaluable market research tool. Hundreds of products are launched everyday. However, not all products may be beneficial to your subscribers. Why not ask your patrons what all they need to make their lives easy. This is where you can put your mailing list into use. With the results of your market research, you can make your business more profitable.