Five steps to becoming an internet pro

Before you barge onto mailing lists or into newsgroups asking obvious questions, do a little research so you won't appear to be a "newbie."

1. Do Your Homework

Before you go online, read a good book that will introduce you to the internet. (A great place to start is "Guerrilla Marketing Online, 2nd Edition by Jay Conrad Levinson and Charles Rubin). Check out one of the many magazines that cover internet innovations.

2. Get an internet account.

Sign up for an account with a large ISP. You'll get quick access to the internet and support if you encounter problems.

3. Send some e-mail

Try sending, receiving, reading, forwarding and deleting mail. Begin by exchanging e-mail with friends or send some test messages to yourself. Wait to send marketing messages until you've decided to stay with this particular ISP or change providers.

4. Explore mailing lists and newsgroups

Use the ISP's search facilities to locate mailing lists and newsgroups on subjects related to your business or marketing plans. Start by lurking; reading the postings to get an idea of what is posted and how items are presented.

5. Prowl the Web

Go on the Web and start traveling to different sites as you click on various links. To check out other companies in allied businesses, use the search feature of your Web browser.