Get involved in the online community

People prefer to do business with people they know, and the best way to get to know people is by getting involved in their discussion groups., Web sites and other venues in cyberspace. Here are some ways to get involved online:

- Discussions: Participate in non-business discussions that interest you. Use your business signature so people know what you do and where to find you.

- Web sites: When you encounter a Web site that you like, send e-mail to the owner and say so. This could lead to a fusion marketing arrangement.

- Online services: Offer to help administer part of a forum, perhaps by helping to line up experts for online conferences. You'll help out the community and increase your visibility.

- User groups: Show people how to get online or how to navigate around the Net, or do a presentation about a topic related to the Net at a meeting.