Buddy's Marketing Forum

honestway · Tue Apr 10, 2007 9:22 am The Value Of Forums

I was just reading through some of the posts in here and it dawned on me. Forums are not just great places to learn stuff and meet new people. They're the essential building blocks of anyone's online business.

Why do I say that? Well, while not all of the members here are involved in their own online business, most of us are busy trying to make a living online from a great variety of different sources. It's important, therefore to network amongst others in similar situations to ourselves because the internet is a vast repository of knowledge and information and it is changing all the time.

If we don't keep up to date with what's happening online, we could be happily making a nice income one day and the next the rug could be unceremoniuosly yanked out from under our cosy warm feet!

And the best way to keep up to date with what's happening online is by vistsing good forums that are related to working online and have a good, solid, experienced and knowledgable membership.

If we all keep in touch with one another and keep up with the current online news, which we will find in these forums, then we will all be aware of any changes that are either happening or are in the pipeline that could affect our online business or income source.

It is also in these forums that we get to hear about the latest releases of software, the latest products, strategies or packages as they hit the cyber-shops and also the all-important feedback that the experienced members will give. That way the newer members will stand a good chance of avoiding any new scams that infiltrate the system frequently as well as be aware of any really good products or service that are recommended by trusted and well known members.

It's a win-win situation to be involved in online marketing or work-at-home related forums and I for one am glad I'm a member!

Terry :wink:

Buddy · Tue Apr 10, 2007 2:12 pm

I couldn't have said that any better. I have tried to get this message across since I opened this forum 10 months ago. It is so nice to have someone on board who sees the larger picture. We have a good core group here, but we are in the minority. It will be nice to have you here. I need to find the time to do some restructuring...I am all ears for ideas from you and other members. Buddy

honestway · Sat Apr 14, 2007 2:53 am

Hi Buddy.

Do you mean restructuring the look of the site or the internal gubbins? I have my own forum which is just getting off the ground and I've already changed the template to make it a little more unique looking while trying to keep it readable and not harsh on the eyes as some forums manage to do.

I noticed you've gone back to a more standard template and I have to say it is certainly easy to read and doesn't strain my eyes!! 8)

I know what you mean about having a small core group. I think most forums are in the same boat with a group of regular posters who keep things going alongside the rest - which are, unfortunately the vast majority who just sign-up, maybe post once or twice and are never heard from again.

Its a shame that people do that. Maybe they have a good reason, but if they are in business for themselves online, they are missing out on a really good opportunity to not only make their presence known within the business community, but to nurture that presence and gain some respect and credibility too.

It's horses for courses - you have to put in the time and effort to get the rewards out of your business whatever you do, be it online or offline.

The staggering statistic that fully 95% of ALL internet marketers fail is very real. The ones that make it to the 5% who succeed are the ones who put in the time and effort - part of that involves getting involved with forums, but not just spamming ads everywhere - really getting involved by posting something of value and contributing to the common benefit of those who do work hard at their business.

That way we all stand a better chance to succeed.

Terry :D

kjdama · Tue Apr 17, 2007 10:36 pm

I hate to admit it but I am often one of those people that sign up and then dissapear for a while. But I do come back and this forum is very unique-which is why I come back. I do participate daily in a few other forums, but mostly for the social aspect, and a couple on business, but this is a great one for everything! It's not often you find a forum that is heavy on all aspects of the new internet realm as well as social relations. Well, at least I have yet to find one that is like Buddy's!! :wink:

topwater · Mon Apr 23, 2007 1:00 pm

Networking is great when you can actually network. Most forums don't allow you to PM people to promote a product or service, or post outside of specific areas. I call that pigeon holing, and when you're pigeon holed into a specific area, most people on these forums won't hear what you have to say.

Networking has always been a way to MARKET! Yes, people offer to help others with things that they may need help with, and will even offer advice at no charge, but the bottom line is when people network, they are attempting to market something even if it's only themselves. That's just the way it is. When people help someone, and even if they're not charging anything for it at that particular moment, they're hoping that the people who they're helping will seek their services in the future. And more often than not, there is a dollar sign connected to that service or offer of help in the long run.

People may disagree what I've said here, but I don't join a MARKETING forum to just give away ideas and help people. My intention is to some how or some way market my services or opportunities. Marketing is about MAKING MONEY, not charity. If I wanted to join a charitable forum to give away things for free I'd find one. We're all here to make money and that's the bottom line. Just my opinion.

topwater

Buddy · Mon Apr 23, 2007 1:18 pm

honestway wrote: Hi Buddy.

Do you mean restructuring the look of the site or the internal gubbins?

I will be working on alittle bit of both Terry. Buddy

mizrae · Mon May 07, 2007 2:47 am Posting in forums

I have to admit that when I first came online and was introduced to forums I had absolutely no idea what to post. I have always liked the idea of forums not only to network, but because experienced online marketers have such helpful ideas. It was from good forums that I learned about coding and being able to add signatures. The free information is invaluable to a newbie. At the same time, all the great information can make a newbie feel like a real idiot. I certainly didn't want to show my ignorance by posting something really stupid. It's taken some effort to find forums with a core of personal and business integrity. While I might not always have something of great value to contribute, I am not quite so hesitant to jump in when older members don't make the new person feel like a bumbling idiot. This forum is great in that respect, all members seem to value each other and respect the integrity of the forum without personally attacking anyone else or their ignorance.