Online forums.

Forums are online communities where individuals can discuss topics
ranging from business to fishing to sports. Discussions are conducted
by posting notes to the forum. A single discussion is called a 'thread'
and most forums have several, even hundreds of threads going at any
time.

What an incredible reminder of the influence the internet has had on
society. Using forums to connect with your target market is a natural
progression.

To locate online forums in your target market just do a search at
Google and type in: “your target market forums” and there should be a
fair amount of choices.

What is truly remarkable about the use of forums is the personal
quality of the discussions. Read some of the posts online and you'll
soon see that the members become more like neighbors (and even friends)
than strangers connected only by the keyboard and monitor in front of
them.

Where brick and mortar businesses used to prosper based on their
involvement in the community, online businesses now have a neighborhood
all their own.

Lets check out the ways participating in online forums can help your business?

1. Networking:

The grand daddy of them all…

Online forums are a fantastic place to connect with others who are
knowledgeable about your business. You probably cater to the same
audience and share a common interest. If your businesses compliment one
another you might just find a highly profitable partnership or joint
venture.

Even if you don't find a working relationship you may find the
referrals or discussions highly beneficial. What a great way to
leverage the power of relationships all over the world.

2. Traffic Building:

This is a biggie:

Along with the referrals you may get when you've developed a trusted
online presence with other members of the forum, you are also likely to
attract targeted visitors to your website.

Here's the best part:

Forums allow you to place a signature tag on your posts. This is where
you can write a quick sentence (elevator pitch) about what you do along
with your web site link. This is the biggest benefit to participating
in forums. You can be sure that some of the members and quite likely
some of the 'lurkers' (people who view but don't post) will come check
out your site.

That's FREE traffic by the way.

3. Education:

Using the forums wisely can open you up to great education. Whether it
is from fellow entrepreneurs in your field or experts and other
posters, you are participating in an 'inner circle' type discussion
that may open your eyes to new developments and opportunities in your
business.

I must warn you though, the only downside is the highly addictive
atmosphere. With members posting from all over the world it can be
difficult to keep your viewing time to a minimum. Forum participation
is something you may want to schedule each week and set a time limit.
I've heard of some 'My Space' like addictions.

On the flip side, other members are hopefully as interested in what you
have to say and you may quickly develop a reputation as a reliable
source of information. This should be your objective: to position
yourself as an expert within your industry.

One more thing:

Be sure to follow forum rules. Never spam or pitch a forum. I see
rookie marketers do this all the time. Your aim should be to
participate in a conversation, not interrupt it. People get banned from
online forums for pitching their product or service.

Don't be a rookie.

Professionals don't need to pitch their product or service.
Professionals provide information and education first, to position
themselves as experts in their industry. The sales and marketing takes
care of itself.