The most powerful word in the advertising and promotion industry, NETWORKING! Networking is essential to your business. Not only will you meet new friends and develop valuable business relationships you will get the word out there about your business. It has been said, “When your mouth is open, your business is open. When your mouth is shut, you’re business is closed.”

There are many ways to network available to you on the web. Some examples include:

– Message Boards

– Ryze Networks

– Yahoo Groups

– Chats

– Newsletters

You may fee overwhelmed by the vast majority of them. The easiest thing to do is to take it slow and use these few tips:

Choose a relevant networking means. In your search for ways to network choose a means by which you are able to communicate with people that are relevant to your market or your business. These can be people that fit into your target market, people who have similar businesses, or even people that have similar interests or backgrounds as yourself.

Post an introduction. When you join a networking group via the web be sure to post an introduction about yourself and your business. This can include personal information as well as business information. This is not an ad.

Get involved. Don’t just post your introduction and then never visit again except to post ads. This is a one-way ticket to nowhere. Get involved with the network. Post information you find useful to your business, articles you’ve found helpful, business tips etc. Chances are if you’ve found it helpful someone else will too.

Add some personality. Knowing when to get add personal touches or information is a very tricky thing. You need to evaluate your place in the network and get used to its culture. Once you’ve been there for a while add some personality to your posts and ads. A little creativity and humor can go a long way for your reputation.

Post your ad. Post your ad on ad day and don’t forget to post your link with it too. Share special sales with your network group. Bartering with other members is also a great option.

Use your link in your signature line. Never assume everyone knows who you are unless your name is posted as the network owner. Use your signature line to your advantage. Include your link or special offer.

Respect the rules. Read the rules when you join the network and follow them.

Volunteer. Respect your network owner by following the rules but also offer to volunteer. Many network owners would love to have some help with their networks from moderators to special posters. Most will allow you to post your link if you voluteer. Use this to your advantage.

Respect personal situations. Ever so often a situation will occur within networks where something goes wrong and someone is upset by something. The best thing to do is DO NOT get involved. Respect personal boundaries. Know when it is appropriate to speak about certain subjects and when it is not. No finger pointing on issues. Keep specific names out of heated conversations. Remember that the issue might be between two people and that it should remain that way. Networks are not private venues.

Set a time schedule to network. Networks get busy and it can be really time consuming and hard on your time management to keep returning to the network every time someone makes a post. Set a time schedule and limit for networking. This is easy to fit into your daily schedule. Tip: Post each day then to save time go back to the network, find your last post and read from there. It’s even easier than pick and choose’ reading.

The most important word of advice: Networking is wonderful but don’t get in over your head. It is easy to join too many things at once. Pick the events or groups that work with your business and your schedule and get comfortable with the amount of time it takes to keep up with the network. Only then should you add more to your plate.

Tara Crooks is the site owner and editor of
http://www.AdvertisingMoms.com. Taras journey with WAHM
Advertising began with the launch of her first site in June
2001. Since, she has earned a profitable living by building
a great WAHM advertising resource & network in Advertising
Moms. She is a PROUD Army Wife and WAHM!