By Terri Seymour |
Date Submitted: 03/29/03
Building an online business takes
a lot of work, passion and commitment. Unfortunately, some people are
led to believe all you have to do is slap up a website and watch the
orders start rolling in!!
This could not be further from the
truth! One thing I have learned in my years online is that you have to
"market yourself" in order to build a successful online
business. What you need to do is build your reputation and let people
get to know you so they want to get to know your business.
You want people to be able to
trust you, rely on you and be assured that you actually have some
knowledge about the business you are in. This is the part of building a
business that will take some time but will have its rewards. ( And I am
not just talking financial rewards)
There are several ways of
"networking" online which will help you "market
yourself". I have found the following methods to be very effective
in building a solid online reputation.
Ezine Publishing - An ezine can be
a lifeline between you and your readers/customers. This is a great way
to prove yourself trustworthy and knowledgeable. Be consistent in
sending out your ezine. Be available to your readers when they need you.
And also, give them a quality content-filled ezine to read!
Message Boards - Become a
"resident expert" on some quality message boards. Visit
regularly and offer any help, advice or support that you can. Always
treat others with respect and courtesy. Get started with these boards:
http://www.internetbasedmoms.com/bb/index.php http://homebizlink.com/wwwboard/
http://www.internet-marketing-forum.com/forum/index.php http://www.webwondersnews.com/forum/
Find more boards here: http://www.forumdirectory.net/
If you have a forum, add it to the directory.
Discussion Lists - Basically the
same as forum boards, but done through your email. Some groups are more
strict than others, so please be sure to follow posting guidelines. A
few of my favorites: mailto:hbj_chat-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:ideasbypost-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
mailto:newbies911-subscribe@topica.com
Email Etiquette - People will
email you with questions, concerns, suggestions and ideas. Answer all
emails as quickly and efficiently as possible always being courteous and
respectful. This is a great way of building your networking list and
very possibly picking up customers.
Writing Articles - Writing
articles is one of the most powerful reputation and business building
methods available. People want and need basic, down-to-earth information
and resources. They are not looking for big words or fancy writing
styles. Put your heart and personality into your articles along with
helpful resources and information. More info and resources on writing
articles: mailto:getideas@getresponse.com mailto:yesarticles@getresponse.com
Remember the main points of
"marketing yourself"
*Be trustworthy and reliable.
*Show your knowledge and offer it to others. *Offer advice, help, and/or
support whenever possible. *Always treat others (even the difficult
ones) with respect and courtesy. Rise above the pettiness of some
people. *Be available (if possible) when someone needs you.
With a solid and sterling
reputation, your business will bloom like a flower in springtime!
"Marketing yourself"
will go a long way towards building your online business and it also
helps you in other ways as well. You form lasting and beneficial
relationships with others, both personal and business. You learn more
from the experiences of others and you might also learn more about
yourself and what you really are capable of. And that, my friend, can be
the biggest reward of all!!
****************** Terri Seymour
owns and operates MyOwnEzine.com Learn to publish and promote your own
ezine. mailto:subscribe@myownezine.com Sign-up for the FR~E MOE Ezine
Publishing Ecourse mailto:moe-mini-course@getresponse.com You can
contact Terri at mailto:ter02@newnorth.net *******************
E-mail: ter02@newnorth.net
Author's URL: http://www.myownezine.com
I am married for 18 years with two children and we live in the
Northwoods of Wisconsin. We are very family-oriented and I have always
been a stay at home Mom. My two boys are 16 and 9. I have been looking
for a home business for years and when we got our first computer and
went on the internet I knew that was what I wanted to do. I have been on
the net for about two years and am learning more everyday. I have a free
resource site, My Own Ezine, and also publish an ezine called My Own
Ezine. I recently started writing articles and am doing very well with
them. With my website and ezine I hope to help other netprenuers start
or build their online business.