Advice is cheap

Giving advice is the easiest and most flexible way to offer free information on the Net. You can choose whom you give it to, when to offer it, and how much detail to provide. There are a variety of ways to offer free advice. Here are a few:

- Discussion groups: Offering free advice in a discussion group showcases your expertise, proves your altruism, and provides visibility for your business and its Net location.

- E-mail: If you have any sort of Net presence, you might receive e-mail requests for information and advice. Respond to as many of these as you can. Direct your correspondents to other sources if you can.

- Guest spots on forums: If you know of a forum where your expertise would be useful, contact the administrator and inquire about becoming a guest expert for a specified time.

- "Ask Us" notices: If you have an online storefront, include a department where you solicit questions from visitors. By offering free information, you'll demonstrate your expertise and convince visitors of your ability to help them with more involved (and profitable) projects.