Blogging and Social Media Etiquette

Participating in an online forum can be a bit tricky. You have to be subtle or you can get banned.

I don’t do a whole lot of forums.  When I do, it’s largely because I’m seeking help with a particular project.  So my recent forums have been Suzuki Burgman, Yamaha Roadstar, and motorcycle lighting related.  Forums can be a lot of fun because they allow for open communication, but you don’t want to become the annoying, self-promoting guy in there who ultimately gets banned.

These are the things I like to do to create a welcoming online forum presence:

• Make a fun avatar
• Say something cute and memorable in your signature and you will get a good and friendly reputation.
• Steer clear of political and religious comments and threads and if you choose to post something there be sure to be extremely tactful!
• If someone starts to goad you stop and don’t respond at all unless you can be super super professional.
• Read the whole thread looking for tips and opinions that can help your business. Then post if you have something meaningful to say.
• Never post an ad on a forum!

Make sure that your signature has your link and talk about what you have learned or how your life is changed by “your opportunity” but don’t use phrases like “Come Check this out!” or “Come to my site”

If you find someone who you think (from reading their posts) would be a good member of your team send them a PM and don’t invite them to join up. Just say hi. Mention that you enjoy reading their posts and would like to be friends. After you get to know them a bit they will likely ask you what your opportunity is or for sure they will check out your site or connect with you on Facebook or Twitter.