We recently chatted with Albert Qian, the founder of Albert’s List during our monthly #MJChat.

Our guest expert shared tips on how he’s used social media, word of mouth and email to grow their email list to launch their business or product. Here are 5 things we learned about growing an email list using social media and email marketing:

1. Provide Value

Albert was very adamant about providing quality and value to your community before asking for money. As the people come, so does the money and other opportunities.

A1: It's also about building a community. Business is all about people. If you're not into that, then you shouldn't bother! #mjchat

— Albert Qian (@albertqian) February 23, 2016

A2: Business is all about value. If you're not doing that, you're not doing what matters most. Money comes later. #mjchat

— Albert Qian (@albertqian) February 23, 2016

2. Be Genuine

Thanks to Hollywood, we believe that in order to be successful in business you must be cut throat and focus on making money. Albert told us that one of the keys to creating a successful community and a thriving business first begins with having a servant’s mentality.

A3: Don't just sell. Give as well. Be a good human being. #mjchat

— Albert Qian (@albertqian) February 23, 2016

A7: The best community is one where you are the servant leader, leading others. There's no other way around it. #mjchat

— Albert Qian (@albertqian) February 23, 2016

Put the people first and they will spread the word about what you have to offer.

3. Email Allows You To Connect

While Facebook and Twitter are great platforms to help grow an audience, it’s not always the best way to send info and updates to a growing community. That’s where email comes into play.

A5: I've used it to get more engagement within my community, offer deals to career service providers, and just stay in touch. #mjchat

— Albert Qian (@albertqian) February 23, 2016

Email is also a great way to reengage those members of your community that have been inactive.

A4: Email is a great way to keep in touch with those who aren't normally on our community and brings them back #mjchat

— Albert Qian (@albertqian) February 23, 2016

4. Ownership

One of the biggest pitfalls about building a community on a social media platform is that you don’t own any of the data. If Facebook decides that you’re Facebook group is going to be shut down, how else can you contact your community? Albert has turned to email to make sure that his tribe is still connected with or without social media.

A5: You own your list as well. Social networks will change, but email lists will always be here for you. It's like a good love story #mjchat

— Albert Qian (@albertqian) February 23, 2016

For complete highlights of the chat, check out our Storify article and make sure to join us for our next #MJChat. We will be meeting online on the final Tuesday of each month.

Also, be sure to check out our Flight Academy, a free online course that covers the A to Z’s of email marketing fundamentals.