@dongrandy  Oh I’m definitely a “stalker” (love this topic)! The two examples that come to mind are more of peers rather than potential clients but I’ll tell them anyway.

I’ve been “stalking” @mike-stelzner ever since his presentation on white papers at the Copywriting Success Summit 2008. At that time I was just starting my business and looked at white papers as a great vehicle for my writing skills and passion for writing. This past summer I got to interview Mike about Launch and now I’m here!

I also “stalked” @aprylparcher, we’ve become friends and she taught a guest class in one of my writing courses.

Tons of value and connection comes from “stalking.” Fun topic!

@dakotalocal I wouldn’t change a thing!

I “stalk” my clients in a similar way and occasionally do informational interviews with them to gain insight.

@dongrandy I “stalk” potential clients before I sit down with them for our first meeting.  I want to know as much as I can about their company, their marketing style, any negative comments that have been made about them, etc.  I need to walk in the door knowing a lot about them.

I have also “followed” people on different social networks to make an initial connection with them, but I don’t see that as stalking.  On LinkedIn they have to agree to the connection and on Facebook and Twitter, they are already public.