Networking

Networking with other webmasters might seem a waste of time but it's NOT. It can be one of the most important parts of being successful in this business.

What is networking? It's building alliances and friendships with other webmasters through any means you can find or utilize. When you need help or advice it's much easier to ask a friend than a stranger. When you're looking for link trades it's much easier to ask someone you have built an alliance with rather than asking someone who doesn't know you. When you need someone to check your site, a friendly webmaster is a lot easier to ask than someone who has no idea of who you are. When you are in trouble your friends will be there for you. The internet is one of the only "places" in the world where business rivals are always willing to help.

There are quite a few different ways to network on the interent. Some work better than others but for long term planning of your business, you need to allow time in your schedule for networking. Here are some excellent examples of networking:

1. Email

Just emailing various webmasters and building up dialogue with them is one method. Although, it's not by any means the best - or only - way to network.

2. ICQ

This is a small online chat utility that is VERY useful for communicating instantly with other webmasters. This is called talking in "real time" because you can ask questions and get answers right away without having to wait for emails, etc.

3. Chat Rooms

Webmaster chat rooms are another great way to meet and talk to your fellow webmasters in "real time". There is always someone hanging out in the various chat rooms on the net if/when you need help or just want to meet fellow webmasters.

4. Message boards

This is THE best way to communicate with webmasters and facilitate the ICQ, chat room and email options. The BEST way to get your name out there and start meeting other webmasters is to post on the various messageboards designed specifically for webmasters.

You may feel a bit intimidated by "posting" on the message boards because you're a new webmaster or you don't think you have anything to contribute. EVERY webmaster has been in this situation and the only way to get over your "newness" is to take the plunge and post. The VNWR board is a perfect forum for new posters because it's friendly and helpful. There are no stupid questions, except the ones you don't ask. What more could you want? :)

Probably the most important piece of advice to remember when posting on Message Boards is to:

1 - Be respectful and courteous.

If you're asking for help, info or assistance, remember you attract bees with honey not vinegar! :)

2 - Post with care...always re-read your words before posting & never post in anger!

If you're having a problem with a webmaster, sponsor or anyone else for that matter, "flaming" them on an open board is NOT best way to get your problem solved. Once you press the post button there is no turning back.

3 - Think about your questions carefully before asking.

Look over current board logs to make sure your question hasn't already been asked in a recent post. A lot of members post asking for answers to basic questions and wonder why they didn't get answered. Most of the time it's because the post directly under it or that very same day asked the same question. So do take the time to see what has been asked prior to you asking yours. The answer may be there waiting for you like a nugget of gold.

4 - Remember that in cyberspace nobody can see you smile.

Posting on a board can be difficult, however certain expressions can really help convey your meanings and your demeanor. You may know exactly what you mean, but will the people reading your post know what you mean? Put smiley faces :) or designate little :-) (grins) symbols to show when you are joking or kidding.

Another important gem is to remember that you have an option when receiving advice. You can take it OR you can leave it. The best bet is to gather all the ideas, information, links and resources that fellow webmasters share with you and check them out on your own. What works great for one of us might bomb out for another.

Respect other peoples' opinions. Nobody ever sees eye-to-eye 100% of the time. There will always be differences. Beware of what they call "pissing matches". A verbal battle online with a fellow webmaster could end in horrible results. Don't ever burn bridges that you might want/need to cross one day in the future.

Your first post on the VNWR board might read like this:

"Hello. My name is XXX. I am a new webmaster."

This will get the ball rolling. You can't expect to just drop in, say hello and make a million friends in minutes. But....you will find that VPNs are very friendly people. Most will say hello back, offer advice or point you to a good resource or two.

When it comes time to ask questions about your site remember to be as specific as possible, giving all information required to be able to answer your question to the fullest extent. Most importantly, don't get upset if people don't respond right away. Often times people don't respond if they don't feel qualified to answer. If nobody responds after a couple days, post again like it's your first time. Be polite, succinct and smile a lot. :) You will be surprised at all the help our members are willing to provide.

Check out the board NOW at:

The Main Newbie Board - for all webmasters

Don't forget to check the archives out from past message boards. There is lots of valuable information contained in them. The links for these logs are at the top of each board.