Guest post by Jimmy Moock

First let it be known that I’m not a user of NetProspex nor have I ever requested to be added to its lists.  But, since it is the start of the New Year and I am as willing as anyone to put forth a good effort in seeking (and retaining) business, I did decide to click on the email to learn of the “new opportunities” CEO Gary Halliwell wanted to introduce to me.

As background, I am a public relations exec and I know far too well the need for the right contacts is paramount.  However, the contacts only matter if the story ideas and the sources you’re merchandising are a good fit for the reporter’s needs. 

Suffice it to say, I had a hearty chuckle when I read that one new executive at Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, 66 executives at IndyMac Bank Corp. and 330 Executives at AIG are all new members of this "people in business exchange network."  Wow! Where do I sign up? 

Gary, forgive me, but I think that people like Bernie and execs from IndyMac and AIG are the last contacts I need in 2009 (unless I was a class action lawyer – then I might need to get in touch with these baboons).   And, I’m having a hard time figuring out what benefit you derive from their inclusion in your sales materials.  Furthermore, just two paragraphs into the note promoting your business, you mentioned five competitors in the industry – Dun & Bradstreet, Hoovers and LinkedIn among others.  Didn’t someone along the way teach you that speaking about the competition should be avoided wherever and whenever possible?          

I can’t believe no one took the time to consider how this letter might affect NetProspex’s reputation and position in the industry.  Chances are a rank-and-file employee or some “intelligent” program found my name and contact information and thus began my inclusion on it’s out bound materials when the concern is fishing for business.  I’m hoping that is the same reason why these executives were in the letter, too.

Regardless, NetProspex’s bait is bunk.