Online Networking for a Better Business

Networking is a very important part of building your business.
When you partake in this form of marketing, you are establishing
yourself and your reputation, which in turn can be a big boost
to your business. You can also make some new friends, which is
also a plus.

Networking is when you come in contact with as many people you
can to learn, share, promote, and form relationships with
prospective customers. You want to talk about your business, but
not blatantly advertise. Get to know others, learn from them,
let them learn from you and get to know you. This is an
excellent way of building a strong foundation for your business.

What you don't want to do is be a walking commercial. This will
not get you very far in your networking. Do not spam when you
are networking.

There are many effective and free ways of networking online.
Message boards and discussion lists are the two ways I have
found to be most effective.

*Discussion Groups*

When you subscribe to discussion groups make sure you follow the
rules and guidelines for posting. You do not want to be accused
of spam because you haven't read the rules. Most lists will
allow a sig tag, which is a great way of advertising without
spamming!

Introduce yourself and become an active member of the group. As
you offer advice and help, people will begin to visit your
business because of you and your willingness to help and your
knowledge. This will help you build a respectful reputation.

You will also learn from other members. We can never do enough
of that! I have found some lists to be invaluable in finding
resources, and expanding my knowledge.

Listed below are a few of my favorite lists:
mailto:entrepreneurs-network-exchange-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:WahmHits-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:digital-women-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

This is a list of discussion groups ranging from ezine
publishing, to web promotion, to home business ideas. I have
just joined most of these myself, but they sound like
informative, helpful groups.

mailto:Computer_Help_and_Discussion-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:makingtherun-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:advert-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:webclass-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:1webmaster-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:pirsumania-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:pub-and-ad-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:web-promote-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

*Message Boards*

Message boards are similar to discussion lists, but are done on
a website rather than through the email. The same advice
applies. Read the guidelines and rules for posting. Do not just
try to post an ad and never come back. Get involved with the
conversations, meet people, learn from people, help them and
offer advice when you can. Doing this type of advertising can
add strength and solidity to your business. You will be trusted
and people will listen to you when you recommend a product or
resource.

Try to visit the boards regularly to keep abreast of the
conversations and information. Post a question, answer or
experience whenever possible. Never insult, belittle or put down
a person because they do not agree with your opinion or ideas.
Always treat people with respect!

Check out these message boards for some great networking:

The Effective Marketing Group Discussion Board
http://www.marketingeffect.com/cgi-bin/forum/webbbs_config.pl

Kiki's Community Cafe
http://www.start-smartz.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi

Bizy Moms Message Center http://www.bizymoms.com/discus/

CyberMarketing Info Board http://www.bizweb2000.com/wwwboard/

Willie Crawford's Marketing Forum
http://www.williecrawford.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi

Networking, although time consuming, can be a definite asset to
your business because it allows people to get to know you. By
doing that you can begin to form relationships that will be the
foundation on which you can build a very successful business.