Internet message boards

This will be the first in a series of "resources for part-time networkers".  Eventually I'll link them all together on a static page and add it to the blog menu.

I'm going to start this out with just 4 boards that I actually visit, and somewhat know.  I definitely plan to add more in the future.  In fact, if you know of any quality message boards out there, please leave a comment ... I'll check em out, and possibly add them to the list.

• mlm.com  - This is probably my favorite message board.  I've been visting on and off for about 7 year now.  A lot of "drama", and some interesting personalities.  It's definitely entertaining, and there's enough knowledge represented, that if you pay attention, it's not too hard to pick up a nugget or two of quality brain candy from time to time.
• wham.com - Oddly enough, I just visited this board for the first time recently ... although once I looked around, I recognized a lot of the names.  There are literally a Ton of very active forums on this board.  Also appears to be good mix of people talking about / helping each other with their businesses, and people who are "looking".  If you don't mess things up right off the bat by spamming the board, this looks like it could be a Very good place to meet potential business partners and customers.
• richdad.com - Another site that I've visited on and off for a number of years now.  This board has a very active network marketing forum, with some extremely knowledgable and friendly members.  To me though, one of the biggest benefits of richdad is all the other forums ... especially the ones covering things like taxes and incorporating your business ... just a wealth of good information here.
• homebasedbusinessforums.com - Of the four, this is probably my least favorite forum to actually post on (very strict and sometimes quirky moderation).  But, I still visit on a regular basis, as I learn something new just about every time.  And of course since I've learned so much, I do try to give back by occassionally making an informative post

"Rules of the Road" ...

I'm not going to go into a big drawn out "lesson" on how to use message boards (talk to you upline).  I will however give you just a couple of pointers that may make the going a little smoother:

1. Get this in your head right now ... your primary purpose for visiting message board is NOT to sell products, and/or invite people to look at your business.  The best reason to visit these industry specific boards is to GET KNOWN.
2. Along those lines; Never, Never, Never SPAM a message board about how great your products or opportunity are.  This is the quickest and easiest way to lose all credibility ... and with it, any chance you may have had of eventually meeting quality new business parnters.
3. Do Be YOURSELF.  If anybody has ever told you that you need to "fake it til you make it" on Internet message boards, they are dead wrong.  If you're just starting out, and you have questions ... ask away.  And likewise, if someone else asks a question, and you have the answer, by all means respond.  But if you're not actually an "expert", don't even think about representing yourself as one. (another one of those pesky credibility killers)
4. Do include a link to your webpage (if it's allowed).  But don't be too elaborate about it ... the "curiosity approach" is often a more effective way to get clicks on your link than a 6-line "mini-advertisement".
5. Last, but certainly not least, Have FuN, and make some new friends.  If you ever find yourself not enjoying a message board, take a break ... stop visiting for a while ... or possibly even move and find one that's a better "fit".

Ok, well that's about all the time I have for now.  I hope you find this list useful.  And as I said above, if you're aware of any other *quality* message boards, please leave a comment so I can go check em out ... thanks in advance.

Til next time ... keep havin FuN!

Todd