A discussion board is a tool which allows groups to communicate online. It is quite similar to e-mail, but is separate from your e-mail account and is accessed, stored and organized centrally. The entire group can read and respond their remarks to your posted messages. You can read old messages or post new messages at any time.

A discussion board is made up of ‘forums’ - folders containing messages on a particular subject, ‘threads’ - each thread is a series of messages about the same topic, and ‘messages’ - each message is an individual contribution to a conversation (like a single e-mail).

Posting messages on online discussion boards is a great way to get free advertising. When you post a message include your signature file at the end. Your signature file should be no more than 5 to 6 lines. Include an attention-getting sentence why they should visit your web site or e-mail your auto responder.

Some online discussion boards allow you to leave text and graphic links at the end of your messages. You will get a better click-through rate with links than just a normal signature file.

Below are three types of messages you could post to online discussion boards:

1. Informative Comments
Post information that would be informative to the people who participate on the discussion board. It could be an article or a study you’ve completed.

2. Ask Questions
Post a question on the discussion board you would like answered. This will give you a chance to meet other experts and it could lead to a profitable joint venture.

3. Answer Questions
Post the answer to another person’s question on the discussion board. When you answer questions you will get known as an expert on the subject.

Before posting to any online discussion board read the FAQ or rules of posting. They will tell you what kinds of posts are allowed. For starters or newbie in the discussion board, introduce yourself and ask some basic question about the board through the thread intended for newbies. Usually it is found in the General Thread. Never post messages on a board that are unrelated to the subject.

Business Quote for the Day:
“You can tell the ideals of a nation by its advertisements.” — Norman Douglas

Any business in order to succeed needs advertisement to get to the mainstream especially in online business. But doing an advertisement will cost you money but there are some ways in getting free advertising fro your website and product and services.

Here’s 5 powerful ways to get some free advertising.
1. Give Testimonials
When you purchase a product or service and it exceeds your expectations e-mail the business a testimonial. Tell them in the testimonial the benefits you got from the product or service. Give them permission to publish the testimonial on the web site if they include your sig file at the end.

2. Leave A Message
When you visit a web site with a discussion board leave a message. You could post a question, interesting content or a compliment about their web site. Include your signature file at the end of the message. Some discussion boards let you post your banner ad or text link.

3. Sign Guest Books
When you visit a well designed web site leave a compliment on their guest book. You could give them a compliment on their content, ease of navigation, graphics etc. When you post your compliment include your signature file so other people will see it when they sign the guest book.

4. Write A Review
When you visit a web site you enjoyed a lot write a review for the web site Write about the benefits you gain from the site, the web site design, interesting online services it offers etc. E-mail the review to the web site. Tell them they can publish it on their web site if they include your resource box at the end.

5. Send An E-mail To The Editor
When you read a good article or enjoy a certain e-zine, e-mail a compliment to the editor. Give the editor permission to publish the compliment in their e-zine if they include your signature file at the end. The editor may post it on his or her web site.

Business Quote for the Day:
“The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men.” — Sun Tzu

Even the most time-pressed business owner can draw more customers with less effort through the right cross-promotions. Why? Because when you join forces with other reliable people who also reach your target market you can reach your customers more efficiently, credibly and memorably with the right offers and services.

Cross promotion is a form of advertising that involves two or more businesses that promote their products or services together. To find businesses that has the same target audience, but not a direct competition with your business. Doing cross promotions with other businesses increases your profits, sales, and beat your competition.

You can find businesses to cross promote all over the Internet. Participate in e-mail group discussion, online forums and newsgroups that deal with your marked audience. Subscribe to e-zines that deal with your targeted audience. Make a note on your website or e-zine that you are interested in cross promoting your products and services. Search in your favorite web directories and search engines to find targeted businesses.

Cross-promotions include bundled offerings, joint media appearances and events, and unconventional cause-related marketing. It might also include collaboratively produced on how-to’s and other resource booklets and videos, co-branding, coop advertising, and shared space.

Cross promoting has many benefits. Save money by sharing the advertising and marketing costs. Save time when both businesses share the workload. It has a great potential for a big marketing payoff because partners can successfully expand through each other’s customer base. They can gain an inexpensive and credible introduction to more of their kind of customer more effectively than with the traditional “solo” methods of networking, advertising, or public relations. You can offer your customers new products and services. Get referrals from the other business’ clients. Receive valuable information from the business.

Once you find a business you would like to cross promote simply e-mail them your proposal. Tell the business owner the benefits of the cross promotion. Explain to him or her why it would be a win - win situation for both of your businesses. Give them a lot of compliments about their business, website, products and services. Using all three methods above will greater your chances for a profitable cross promotion.

Business Quote for the Day:

“Men who do things without being told draw the most wages.” — Edwin H. Stuart