Hello trusted readers!
Today I want to talk a bit about networking. – Networking on forums to be accurate. ( This post will be split in 2 because of the length, as I personally HATE reading looong blogposts. This is part 1, and part 2 will come really soon)
As most of us understand, networking is essential to achieve great success in internet marketing. It has numerous benefits, as well as it keeps it a little bit more “social”. When you network on forums, you actually speak with fellow internet marketers, and share knowledge and services. – Which is usually a win/win situation.
I thought I’d share some tips on how to do this, since obviously not everyone totally “gets it”. At least that’s what I think after a few bad experiences in different forums, which have almost made me hate a few people. I’m not a hater though, so it doesn’t really matter that much with me, but others might be able, and willing to do BAD things to your reputation – Which is something you must avoid at all costs!
So here’s the list of my tips for networking on forums with greatest effect:
- Send PM’s, and lots of it.
This will get you directly in touch with other people, and nobody knows what you are talking about, so you can be a lot more personal, honest and to the point.
And it’s always exciting to see if you have gotten any new PM’s each time you for example log in to the warriorforum, or trafficdrill, which are the 2 I use the most at this time.
- Help people
Whenever I can, I try to help people. This does NOT include services that should be paid for, like webdesign, graphics, articles etc. but rather simple tasks they are unable to do on their own.
I personally try to help them to help themselves, but that’s not always the best either. And if I’m unable to help, I’ll tell them how to find someone to help them, or give them contact info to someone I know that can. I usually do “proofreading” of products before they are launched, and provide comments about what I like/don’t like, what I feel is missing etc. and tell them if I get any good idea’s they will benefit from. It’s really simple, useful for people, as well as it gives me free products! Now that’s a win/win already!
Next is that I have someone new in my network, who I can JV with later, or get to do the same for me if I need it. Pretty useful if you ask me =)
- Tell people to PM you if they have questions about anything you have written
This goes for most forums. By getting people to send you a Private Message, you will get directly in touch with them, and then you have it going.
Make sure you don’t “finish” your conversation too early by simply sending an “ending” PM. – A PM tham makes it harder to reply. I usually end my early PM’s with a question, so the people I talk with replies.
Then after a little while, we get to know each other a lot better, and find some shared interests etc. And I have a new contact! Simple as that really. And if they don’t reply… Too bad for them! They have lost the gift of having my creativity at their disposial for free. I just move on.
NB! Don’t abuse this technique! People will consider you annoying if you always reply with a question in the ending. You also need to have a medium-length message as well, and have useful content.
- Ask people for people to contact if you need help
This is just one of the ways you can use your network. Whenever you need help for something spesific, ask someone you think might know someone good for what you need. You might even get discounts and improved services! – Contact me if you need rebates for a FANTASTIC graphic designer ;o)
- Stay polite and helpful
Essential,obvious, yet still worth mentioning. Always be like this, and people will like you, and gladly help you back if you need. It’s also good for NOT getting enemies.
You will get more credibility etc. etc… You get the point.
Here’s another thing about helping other people, which I wanted to add in the end of part 1.
You might not always get something back. Trust me, you won’t. There are also quite a few people you help, whowon’t be that grateful. But remember that
1. – You get a good feeling from helping people anyways.
2. – Whenever you’re helping people, you will start to feel better and better, and eventually consider yourself an expert.
3. – They might not have much to offer right now, but in time, they can become great internet marketers. And great internet marketers definately remember who got them going in the first place, and will definately help you if you need it.
That’s all for today folks!
Next part will be here in a couple of days!
– Preben
Author: Jane Fonda
