New advertising rules

[Nightnurse]

So I received a letter today from the CMTO (my province's College of MTs) and it's all about advertising regulations. Some of it hasn't changed, and I still disagree with it, like we're not allowed to use client testimonials, or mention discounts or package deals in any ads. But there's one new point: "members are prohibited from soliciting business from a prospective client or client in person, by phone, e-mail or by any other means that is not considered to be a public medium"

Calling random people and soliciting I can understand, but e-mail? That's too much! I've sent out e-mail newsletters to my clients before, and they've never complained about it. There's a place on the intake form for e-mail addresses, if people want to give me theirs, they do, and if they don't, I don't push it.

We have until Feb. 27 to hand in our feedback, and I'll be doing that soon. I guess I wanted to vent. I'm interested to know if any states, or other countries, have advertising rules that are strict like mine.

 

[mamaw2305]

I have never heard of anything like this. But since your newsletter is really more of an "news" thing does that still count as advertising? And did I understand that correctly that you can't solicit business IN PERSON? Like hand someone a business card and tell them to call you?

 

[africbeauty69]

I just had my bf explain it to me - he said that a business card is "public medium" so it can be given to people.

 

[Ericho]

If the e-mail addresses were given to you isn't that more of an interested client wanting to keep up with what's going on? Not really advertising to new possible clients?

Steph!

 

[Peace Loving Hippy Chick]

New advertising rules

"members are prohibited from soliciting business from a prospective client or client in person, by phone, e-mail or by any other means that is not considered to be a public medium"

I think you'll find it is directed at things like purchased mailing lists of email addresses, not the email addresses you have personally collected. If you've been given the email address, you already have a relationship (even if it is a fishbowl draw), you are not soliciting business. If you got the email address from some email marketing company and use it, you have no prior contact with the person and you are soliciting business.