Using forums and message boards to network for your business
Ever visited a business forum or message board on the web?
Forums are a great place to discuss ideas, seek help or just to interact with like-minded people the world over. And obviously it’s a great way to market yourself.
I borrowed the above description from a site run by Martin Neumann called Home Office Voice. It comes from a post which it turns out led me to some new business related forums to explore.
Forums and message boards can be powerful business tools. I like to think of them as virtual networking events where you aren’t bound by geography and can attend when it is convenient.
While it’s true that part of what makes this form of e-media great is the ability to bring lots of people who are far away together, they don’t necessarily have to keep your virtual networking efforts tucked away in cyberspace. If you look around you can probably find a local group that is using a forum or message board, and turn your virtual networking into real sales, meetings, or even a job.
I found this one here in Delaware:
RBWIB is a network of businesses women and independent professionals in the Resort Beach communities. Visit their site to see how great message board can work for you.
- Learn the basics of starting a business in Delaware- a free course
- The Wilmington Economic Development Corporation- supporting the entrepreneurial spirit
Russell,
Thanks for your nice comments about my blog – and thanks for including a link to my post in yours.
Yep, I’ve found that partcipating in forums is probably the number one way for a business with little marketing money to be heard. Isn’t it great that before the internet we could only network in our locality and surrounds (very limited). Nowdays, we can (virually) network with anyone from anywhere.
I like the topics and tone of your blog and have added you to my links …
Cheers,
Martin
HomeOfficeVoice
Thanks Martin, I hope that you’ll vist and comment often!