Something very strange happens when folks turn on their computers. People who are normally very polite, forget their manners. People who always make sure to mind all their P's & Q's suddenly don't realize there are rules on the internet too. For some reason many folks when they turn on their computer, they shut off their common sense.

Imagine you are at a seminar on personal finance. Would you stand up, interrupt the speaker and say "Hey I belong to company XYZ, I'd like you to join me?" For most people reading this article, the answer to that question would be no. If finance isn't your thing, then imagine yourself sitting at a PTA meeting. Would you jump up and say "Hey everyone I belong to XYZ company, come get a catalog from me"? Again, I'm certain for most the answer is no!

The internet is no different than the above two scenarios. If you visit message boards and you jump in with an ad about your company, you will be viewed as rude, and possibly asked not to come back to that community. If you visit chat rooms and come in advertising your company, again, you'll most likely be asked to leave, and others will view you as inconsiderate.

Many folks will say "but the internet gives me such a large audience to market to". What country do you reside in? Do you not have a huge audience just by the residents of your country?

So, what can you do on the internet? Remembering that talking to others is your goal and not blatantly advertising here are some things you can do:

1. Interact and talk with other people on message boards. If you feel your company meets the need of a person on the board, email them personally AFTER you have established an initial relationship with them, and they view you as a friend. Check the message board policies. If a signature line is allowed, then by all means use a non- advertising signature line.

2. Visit chat rooms and talk to people. If this were a party at the neighbors' house, you would not talk only about your business. You would talk about the weather, politics, etc. Do the same in the chat rooms. Meet people and let people get to know you.

3. Join email groups. As I've said before, talk with others. Share your expertise with others. If the group allows, use a signature line with your email address or web address.

4. Many groups allow you to create a profile. Take advantage of this. Include many details about who you are, not just a business pitch.

5. Include a signature line in all your outgoing mail. I am not telling you to spam, I am suggesting that whenever you send email, whether to family friends or whoever, include your signature line with a link to your website. If folks wish to click they will.

6. Write articles for ezines. Publishers are always looking for fresh content and many welcome articles written by others. A brief bio is usually allowed with your article.

Above all, use your common sense. Don't do something online that you wouldn't do offline.