Advertising and Business Networking - Soft Sell or Hard Sell?

Imagine being able to reach 1000 by businessmen for the fraction of the costs associated with advertising in general. Well, now you can use the online networking platforms dedicated to businesses.

Many online platforms have dedicated areas where business people can advertise their services for free once you are a member of the payment. In Ecademy we have Marketplace which was much more powerful when the ads were shown on the front page than it is now.

The best way to get started on these sites is to participate in the discussion on the blogs page and slowly work your way towards advertising the goods in their market. There's nothing worse than entering a site, plastered with ads for a couple of weeks and then leave, never to be heard of again!

The worst thing you can do is to advertise your business in areas that are designated for blogging only. In Ecademy we have the Blogs area where it is OK to talk about business and trade issues not related, but is frowned upon by the members when they create what is known as a "blogvert" - in essence it is a shameless plug which makes almost groped to hide advertisements for their products.

Most of these sites promote "soft selling" as opposed to "hard-sell tactics."

In a nutshell this means that when you join do not blow your proposal for each individual member, but rather try and entice them to ask about your company and what you can do for them. Do not be too pushy or manipulative. Realize that most people who join these platforms have also got businesses and that they will try to establish contacts with potential buyers as well.

I believe in the theory of random connections. Basically what I am saying is that you should not rely solely on the basis of their networking business potential, but rather focus on making decent connections and contacts. Strive to help others and you never know who might in turn return the favor ... if not now maybe in many years to come.

The art of online networking is to not expect too much too quickly. The benefits accrue in time and many years. Some people make the mistake of trying online networking for a few weeks and then give up because it has not achieved any positive result. It takes time to build trust among members of other particularly those serving long they have seen many new people come and go.

I tried my hand at online networking in June 2006 and quickly realized that normal business rules do not apply. The best way to have fun on these types of platforms is to try to make friends. Business to come later ... I assure you, if you will participate in the blogs and clubs.

Be enthusiastic and helpful, listen and participate in discussions but beware ... do not let online networking take over from normal day to day chores of work still to be made. It 's all too easy to change networking to notworking!

Are you aware of other platforms that allow companies to advertise their products? How has your experience been so far of network platforms for business? Do you have any advice for "newbies"? ......