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not the email I planned to write

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The funny thing is, today I had planned to write to you about doing a digital fall cleanup.

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🍂 [cue the falling leaves, a pumpkin spice latte warming up my hands, and bringing my fall sweaters down from the attic] 🎃

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I was going to tell you about the super satisfying afternoon

I had last week tidying up my digital life: my computer, phone, software... no digital stone was left unturned!

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It felt like Marie Kondo had jumped into my computer and left it like a glimmering, organized digital paradise.

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And then I got this guy's email.

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It all started when I got this panicked message from my Director of Ops, Lindsey, saying "don't freak out. It's all been taken care of. We've gotten rid of him. I'm so sorry this happened..."

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My eyes raced to the end of her message where she tells me what the heck happened.

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Turns out, a guy on my email list took the opportunity to show himself to me... like all of himself... in a really assaultive, gross way.

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According to Kit (what I use to manage my email list), I've sent over 1 million emails to my 50k subscribers in the 8 years I've written weekly newsletters.

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And never once have I gotten that kind of... response. 🤢

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So while I was going to show you how to tidy up your digital space for a strong last 4 months of the year (let me know if you want that email next week!)...

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I think it's better to spend our time today talking about how to keep yourself safe online. ⤵️

1 // YOUR FOOTER ADDRESS

Legally, you're required to have an address at the bottom of your (marketing) emails where you can legally receive business mail.

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This doesn't have to be your home address or the address you used to register your business.

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It can be a PO Box, a UPS/FedEx box, your 9-5's address (if they allow you to receive your business mail there), or even Kit's address if you use them for your email list (they will scan & send you mail, if something comes.) Some registered agents will even offer up their addresses for you to use.

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Even if you do use a PO Box or something similar, consider getting one outside of the immediate town you live in so your exact location is unknown.

2 // REAL TIME

I think it goes without saying, but don't post about your whereabouts in real time. If you go away, write about it when you get back. If you share a selfie from the gym, post it after you've left.

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Not only will this keep you safe, but you'll create better content, too (you should batch post on stories, for example, so you can actually share a full-story... not one off posts.)

3 // INSTAGRAM LOCATION 🚨

A bunch of Meta execs got together in a room and said, "you know what this app is really missing? The ability to let strangers know your exact location." Apparently no women were available for this meeting.

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If you don't know already, you need to turn off this NEW IG feature, which can show anyone online your literal exact location in their "maps" feature. Here's an article that shows you how→​

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4 // MAKE A PLAN

If you ever get an email like the one I did, or one that threatens you in any way, you should have a plan in place on what to do.

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Here's a simple plan to have in place:

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• don't reply, I think it goes without saying
• save the person's data/location info that Kit gives you access to
• download any emails, messages, etc you've received from them
• block the subscriber from being able to subscribe to your list ever again (a Kit feature)
• in this case, provide the gathered info to authorities (because what he sent me is highly illegal and violates a number of laws)

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A lot of how I was able to respond was because of Kit's features. I've been a happy customer for 8 years, and don't recommend many things to you -- but Kit is one of the best.

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​TRY KIT FREE→ [affiliate link]

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There's so much more you can do to protect yourself and your personal information online, Reader.

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Do you want me to share more?

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Hit "reply" -- I can do a YouTube video + podcast episode going more in-depth on how to protect your privacy online (while also growing an online business - a hard combo!).

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Hope this helps! If you're also interested in my digital clean-up / organization tips... let me know if you want that email next!

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Talk soon.

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🔗 Links You'll Love

📚 Ready to turn your course idea and into an actual revenue generating offer? Sign up for my pal, Louise Henry's free 3-day Create Your Course Bootcamp (September 8-10) SIGN UP HERE→ ($0)

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^ (Don't worry if you don't have a course topic yet! Louise teaches you how to pick one!)​
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📲 Win a free, signed copy of my book, When I Start My Business, I'll Be Happy! Check out my latest Instagram post to enter to win 1 of 3 signed copies before this Friday. I hope I get to send one to you!

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