There are two schools of thinking when it comes to forums online. Some feel that they are a waste of time and can easily drain your day away. Others feel that they offer fantastic networking opportunities. So who is right? Are forums a timewaster or a great place to network? The answer is both. An online forum is what you make of it. Say you visit your favorite marketing forum and end up getting drawn into discussion after discussion without having much to show for it - then it’s safe to say you’re wasting your valuable time. On the other hand, if you visit a forum for a specific period of time each day and spend that time wisely – sharing tips and discussing interesting topics for example – then it’s safe to say that forum is a great contribution to your business. Many valuable friendships and joint ventures have been made through online networking forums. The key, like with most things, is to use moderation and common sense. Here are a few of the most common pitfalls of online forums and how to avoid them:
1# - They can be negative places
Sometimes you can visit a forum, get dragged in for two hours and leave feeling uninspired and even depressed. The truth is, when you visit an online forum you don’t always know who you’re dealing with – this is the anonymity our online world offers us. Unfortunately many forum regulars can be quite negative and even downright nasty. To avoid this trap, visit forums that inspire you and make you feel good. If you leave the forum feeling you have gained something and feel ready to get back to work on your business, then it’s likely a good place to spend time in.
#2 – You can get sucked in to meaningless discussions
While it’s okay to make friendships as well as network, you really don’t want to spend half of your day talking about non-business related topics (not while you’re meant to be working). It may be fine to contribute an answer or two, but keep your end goal in mind at all times – are you there to simply socialize or are you there to network as well? To avoid this trap, use your time wisely. Be friendly and contribute to the informal chitchat from time to time, but don’t make it the emphasis of your time at the forum. If you apply this rule from the start, it’s easier to avoid this trap. It’s a lot harder to switch back to being more business-like after you’ve been very socially chatty and informal for a while.
#3 – You give more than you get
It’s good to give back; there is no denying that. But if you spend a lot of time on forums helping others and not achieving much in return yourself, then you may want to ask why you’re doing it in the first place? There is nothing wrong with helping someone from time to time. But not to the extent that it takes away from your own work. To avoid this trap, give out a few helpful nuggets of information here and there and include a link back to your website for further information. For example, if someone is asking a lot of questions about search engine optimization and you’re an expert, give them a few tips then direct them to the search engine optimization section on your website for further help. Most forums will allow you to do this as long as you have been helpful and provided information in your original post. At the very least you can include a link back to your website on your signature line.
Forums can be a great addition to your business success or a complete time-wasting exercise. It’s ultimately up to you how you use your time and if in doubt keep the old saying in mind – “time is money.” Are you using yours valuably?
Deanna Maio, Business Development Strategist & Speaker, teaches women business owners how to grow their business significantly while still having time to live a great life. For FREE tips on how to get more results without working harder, attract more clients, and grow your profits, visit http://www.savvygals.com/
