This might be a given for some people, but it still needs to be said. If someone has not specifically asked for your information, don't send it. Simple as that. Not only are you wasting time, you are wasting money as well. It could also have an impact on your image, so just don't do it.

Often times on message board was see someone simply say "I want to work for home" and is bombarded with offers. The correct thing to do in this situation is to first find out what kind of interests they have. You may want them as a recruit, but you don't want them if they have zero interest in your products and will quit in just a few short months.

Another example of a wrong time to promote was a snail mail we received. This person had good intentions I'm sure, but what they did not realize is we have other businesses. The business information this person sent was in direct conflict with one of these other businesses. If you were a Mary Kay rep, would you purposely send business information to an Avon rep? I would hope not, but it's amazing how many do this every day without realizing it.

Finally another point we need to bring up is articles. While they are a far cry from business information and don't even fall into the same category, we can't tell you how many articles we get a day that have absolutely nothing to do with our publication. If you write articles, which you should in any business, make sure you know where your articles are going. Gardening has nothing to do with a business newsletter, so don't send it there. Read publisher guidelines, and the publication if you can before submitting. Avoid auto submissions that don't tell you where your article is going.

The bottom line is - if it's not asked for, don't send it! Your reputation, time, and money are at risk when you send information at random.