How to Build an Online Business Part 3
© 2003 Terri Seymour
In Part 3 of this series, I would like to discuss
online networking as a way of building your business.
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.
There are many benefits to online networking such as:
Meeting new people/making new contacts
Learning through other people's experiences/knowledge
Making friends
Building your reputation
Increasing your confidence
All this and more can be done through sincere
networking through discussion groups, email, message
boards, etc. By sincere, I mean you really get make
an effort to get involved, answer questions when you
can, help others as often as possible, become a part
of the group, not just a lurker waiting to get in some
free advertising.
You can also do a lot of networking through your own
email People will email you with questions,
concerns, suggestions and ideas. Answer all emails
as quickly and efficiently as possible always being
courteous and respectful. This is a great way of
building your networking list and very possibly picking
up customers.
When visiting message boards and email discussion
groups, remember these guidelines.
1. Do not spam! A lot of forums do not allow blatant
advertising, but do allow sigtags. Make sure you read
all rules carefully before posting. There are groups
that allow advertising of any kind, however these are
not very useful as far as networking or learning
anything of value.
2. Do not flame! Forums are a means for people to
express different opinions and ideas. You should never
insult anybody because they do not agree with your
point of view. This is one way for you to lose all
credibility for your business and your reputation.
3. Do participate in the discussions! You definitely
want to get involved in the discussions and make
yourself known. Answer questions whenever possible
and give advice. People will come to respect you as
an expert in your field and trust what you say.
4. Do treat others with respect! Always give others on
the boards the same treatment and respect you would
want them to give you. No matter how much or how little
someone knows, they still deserve the same respect as
others. Always remember, you started out not knowing
much either.
5. Do build relationships! I have "met" so many
wonderful people since starting on the Internet! It is
a great way to build personal and business
relationships. So go to the boards/groups, start a
conversation and just have some fun, while building
your business!
Message Boards
http://www.internetbasedmoms.com/bb/index.php
http://homebizlink.com/wwwboard/
http://www.internet-marketing-forum.com/forum/index.php
http://www.im4newbies.com/forum/index.php
http://selfstartersweeklytips.com/forum/
Email Discussion Groups
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/myfavoriteezines/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ideasbypost/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WahmHits/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CommonConnection/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/digital-women/
So start networking and have some fun!
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Terri Seymour and her husband Terry offer a no-cost, non-MLM home business opportunity. They also strive to help you build a successful business. Take advantage of the gifts, resources and more provided for your home and business at http://www.seymourproducts.com FREE ecourse at: business-building-ecourse@getresponse.com.