Building an Internet Presence

Yesterday's quote was about positioning yourself as an expert using blogs, newsletters and tip sheets. All good things, but it's important to use caution when establishing an Internet presence. Sales coach Susan Friedmann has expert tips about building a web presence that brings you clients without ruining your reputation.

1. Posting Ads
The quickest way to lose credibility on a discussion forum is to post an ad instead of joining a discussion. Offer information and opinions, answer questions-but don't post ads except in the specific times and places where they are welcome. Check the rules before you post.

2. Getting Lost
Make sure you're posting to the right audience. No matter how useful or exciting your ideas are, they will just annoy people if you post them in the wrong place. Whatever your niche, there is an Internet community dedicated to discussing it. Spend some time Googling for your target market, then check out the discussion forums.

3. Spamming
Posting identical messages in half a dozen Internet communities, especially if they are on the same site, is also likely to draw criticism.

4. Forgetting your business site
Always link your signature to your home page!

"With these tips, you can safely harness the power of social networking," says Friedmann. Give them a try and make your web presence known!

Susan Friedmann, CSP, has traveled the world helping companies put their best foot forward at tradeshows and events. Her latest book is "Riches in Niches: How to Make it BIG in a small Market". Learn more at www.richesinniches.com

Airline CEO Hits "Reply All" and Slams Customer

A Florida couple received this unintended slight when Spirit Airlines' CEO hit "reply all" instead of forwarding their e-mail to an employee. The couple, already upset about missing a concert due to a flight delay, posted the e-mail on a blog that has been discussing the airline:

From: Ben Baldanza [mailto: xxxxxxxxx@SpiritAir.com]
Sent: Monday, August 20, 2007 1:02 PM
To: Christy; Martin; John; Pasquale
Subject: Re: Complaint

Please respond, Pasquale, but we owe him nothing as far as I'm concerned. Let him tell the world how bad we are. He's never flown us before anyway and will be back when we save him a penny.

Yikes! As this story illustrates, it's all too easy to slip up on the Internet. While your e-mail mistakes may not put you in a media hot seat, they do make a poor impression on prospects.

"Wanting to respond quickly is no excuse for poor grammar, misspellings, and bad form," warns Tina LoSasso, Managing Editor of SalesDog.com, and contributor to Top Dog Sales Secrets. "Proofread your response carefully before sending it out. It's easy to miss errors on a computer screen. Try this: print out your draft and read it aloud to catch any mistakes, missed words, or poor syntax."

A final word of caution: Don't enter the recipient's e-mail address until you have written and proofread your e-mail.

Got a great e-mail tip? Share it by posting a comment.