I’m asking this because over the last few days, I’ve seen quite a few posts, both here and elsewhere, where I know that my company could be the answer they are looking for.

For example: I know that we have some authors and writers here on the forum, so would it be proper for them to “pitch” their services to someone who is wanting blog articles. (NO, I’m not referring to anyone in particular)

Is it cool to answer a post asking for guidance with a link, or would it be better to describe what your company does and can offer, and let the person ask for more info if they want to know more?

I find it sometimes difficult in a social environment to know when to be the socialite, or the salesman…..

@joanmuschampfagnani

I’m with you that I don’t like it when every question is answered with an ad, or the response is so off-topic and has nothing to do with the thread.

And, you are correct in that getting to know someone, and they you, is a process. A process which takes time and won’t happen over-night.

In the past, most of my business has come from meeting people face-to-face, either by appointments generated by phone or networking events.

As we move our company to the internet and try to take advantage of it’s reach, I’m trying to make sure I don’t come across as a “bad guy”. 

@stefaniefrank

Thanks for your comments. One of my favorite quotes is from Einstein, “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”

To me, this quote speaks volumes about where our priorities and values should lay.

Success often is a by-product of the value we provide.

@warrenveach This has been addressed extensively here:
Please do not spam us with your message ads!
I hope this clears things up. Touchy subject in a highly trafficked site with so many opportunities to self-promote, but we all have to be careful with spam boundaries.

@warrenveach

You’re welcome Warren. If you are very active in these forums, it is easy to forget you covered a certain subject already. Is in a couple of threads I have mentioned the same info since the thread went off subject a bit. I think I’ll do more thread linking when I see the subject matter go off topic too much. It happens a lot when a good conversation gets going on a good topic.

@warrenveach Great question Warren, this it the same question that has been posed many times in my Facebook business group. Its really such a turn off when in a business group all you see is people posting ads. I’ve tried to tell business owners in the group that you need to appeal a person’s emotions. Talk with them share something about yourself and throughout your sharing they will see the knowledge that you have and seek you out themselves.

@shantelturner-collins

Some forums are more open and less structured so more “opportunity sharing” and marketing posts are allowed.

Generally, I have found that one needs to be one a particular site for a while to be able to properly gauge what is, or isn’t acceptable.

When in doubt, ask, don’t tell.

If they need your help, they will ask for it.

“’twas brillig and the slithy toad did cry,..” oh what was it?

Put your most creative ideas out there and see what happens.  (a little off topic – a long day)

@warrenveach I really do believe that as a business professional, you are always walking a tightrope between truly being helpful and obnoxiously promoting your business. I sincerely believe that opening dialogue is the best way to start. Going in to any social exchange with pure motives tends to shine through. People can tell if you are taking part in dialogue for the pure purpose of exploiting a potential customer. I find it similar to making friends in real life. You don’t introduce yourself to someone you don’t know as “so and so, the provider of (insert service here)”. What do you do? You get to know them for the pure case of meeting someone new. If they happen to need something from you or vice versa, those type of opportunities usually produce themselves naturally. I believe sincerity is the best promotion tool there is.