Business Networking For Dummies

Chapter 12

Networking Online

In This chapter

Networking online using business forums

Choosing a forum (or forums) to suit you

Realising why giving away your knowledge for free may be the best thing to do

In the beginning of the Internet age, there were bulletin boards. Well, not quite the beginning, but the mid-1990s at least. Bulletin boards were an early form of community on the Internet where you could post stuff and people could respond. These boards were a really early form of social media, if you like. Bulletin boards existed when I first got a modem in around 1996.

Later came forums, and for every interest, however diverse, you can find a forum somewhere. You like The Simpsons? You can find forums where like-minded people discuss The Simpsons. You’re into the world’s finest and friendliest punk band, The Damned? Yep, you can find places on the Internet just for you. You want help mending your dishwasher? People are waiting on the Internet just to help you.

And if you’re self-employed or run a business? You can find popular forums where you can get stuck in, virtually meet other business people, ask for help on business matters that may be new to you and generally chat and socialise ...