“What is Email List Management and what does that have to do with me?”

Would it surprise you to discover that the skills you use in your hourly job have a hidden connection to email list management? Whether you work in retail, or as a security guard, you’re already doing things that you can use to build your own business as an email list manager. It’s all about turning what you're already good at into something new. Use your job to build your own business. Then use your business to build your dream.

Think about it: the problem-solving, time management, creativity, and people skills you use every day are just as important in email list management. Doing routine tasks, speaking clearly, and finding answers on the fly? That’s exactly what professional email list managers do. In this post, I’m going to shine the light on the hidden connection between your hourly job and email list management.

Maintenance repair and email list management: how far apart can two worlds possibly be! But the truth is, both roles rely on similar skills. In maintenance repair, you need strong problem-solving abilities to diagnose and quickly fix things. In email list management, you're also solving problems—whether it's improving email deliverability or tweaking campaign performance. Both require you to think on your feet and come up with the right answers.

Another key overlap is attention to detail. In maintenance repair, even the smallest mistake can lead to bigger problems. It’s just like how a typo or broken link in an email can be disastrous. Whether you're fixing machinery or managing a subscriber list, accuracy is vital. Both roles also demand good time management to make sure everything’s on schedule.

So, what does a security guard do that an email list manager does? Glad you asked. As a security guard, staying vigilant is key. You’re always keeping a watchful eye open to keep people safe. Similarly, email list managers need to be watchful. They’re tracking subscriber behavior and finding potential issues like spam filters or low engagement. In both roles, you’re keeping an eye on the details to ensure things run smoothly. You want to stop problems before they happen.

Another common skill is strong communication. Security guards often need to give clear instructions and coordinate actions. In email list management, communication is equally important. You’ll need to write emails that are easy to understand, engaging, and relevant. Whether you’re explaining a security procedure or writing an email, you need to communicate well.

Working as a retail salesperson you’re fine-tuned to customer needs. This definitely is a skill that translates directly into email list management. In retail, you're interacting with customers face-to-face. You’re offering products based on their preferences. In email list management, you’re doing the same—just online. You learn to segment your audience, personalize content, and send targeted emails to meet their needs. Whether it’s suggesting a product in-store or delivering the right email offer, the ability to connect with people is key.

Another overlapping skill is the fine art of persuasion. As a retail salesperson, you have to clearly explain product benefits and address concerns to close a sale. In email list management, it’s about writing compelling emails that grab attention and encourage readers to take action. In both cases, you need to be persuasive to build trust and keep your customers engaged.

Believe it or not, but being a childcare worker equips you with skills that are highly valuable in email list management, too! As a childcare worker, you’re responsible for creating structure, managing routines, and herding cats. These are all skills that translate perfectly to managing email lists. Organizing subscriber data, scheduling campaigns, and keeping track of details are all part of the job. Just like managing a busy day with children, it’s all about staying on top of things and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Empathy is another skill that overlaps between the two roles. In childcare, you need to build trust with both the children and their parents. In email list management, it’s the same. You’re building trust with prospects and customers. Whether you’re helping a child feel safe or making a subscriber feel valued, both roles require a deep understanding of people and the ability to connect on a personal level.

No matter what hourly job you’re working right now, the skills you’re using every day can help you succeed in building your own business in email list management. Problem-solving, paying attention to details, communication and time management – they’re all there. The key is recognizing how these hidden skills overlap and using them to open the door to new opportunities. Use your job to build your business. Then use your business to build your dream. With the right mindset and a willingness to learn, you can take the next step toward a fulfilling career, building your own business in email list management.