As with everything else online, using forums is a matter of opinion and personal preference. There are two distinct opinions when it comes to forums. Some feel that they are a waste of time and can easily drain your day away. Others feel that they offer fantastic networking opportunities and information.
So who is right? Are forums a timewaster or a great place to network?
The answer is yes.
An online forum is what you make of it. If you visit your favorite marketing forum and end up getting drawn into discussion after discussion without having much to show for it – then you’re wasting your valuable time. It’s not that the time isn’t beneficial, but you are taking time away from other aspects of your business if you are on the forum all day.
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. As I’ve talked about before, building yourself up as an expert really drives up traffic and sales.
Many valuable friendships and joint ventures have been made through online networking forums. I have met many top woman in internet marketing through paid membership and free 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 productive. 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 each week.
#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 or makes you feel used.
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. If you don’t have a post with more information, then create one!
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 in 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?
Some good, positive forums I network in:
Mom Masterminds
Mommy’s Helper Community
Work at Home Space
Classy Chic’s
Self Starters Weekly Tips
With my opinion today…as it frequently changes forums have really done nothing for me lately business wise. I haven’t seem anything from them in awhile. Some great friendships however have grown from them.
Mom Masterminds on the other hand I am hoping to utilize again and have before which did produce value.
Twitter and word of mouth have done better with business recently.
Am I utilizing the forums to there fullest? No. If I apply some of these tips will it produce more for my business, probably. Really timely post…at leat for me LOL!
I know forums fluctuate as well. I’ve really worked at limiting how many forums I am on. I only visit 4 regularly (couple times a week) and I check in at a couple more a few times a month. That’s it anymore. I made so many friends that I was finding myself hiding out on the forums and not working. It’s easy to tell myself that I’m networking
lol