This has always been a hot topic, so it's worth mentioning time and time again. There IS a right and wrong way to recruit on message boards, which goes far beyond just following spam rules.

Scenario 1

A new mother has signed up to a message board you visit often. Her first post may sound something like this:

"I'm looking for a way to work at home, can anyone help me?"

Take a look at what you know about her. If she hasn't said anything but "I'm looking", then all you know is she is a mother in need of an income. That's it. So to reply with a plug for your business is not only rude, but also does not help you or the person posting the question.

Get to know this person first. Find out what her interests are. Signing someone up that's not interested in your product is a waste of your time and theirs. By showing interest in this new person, you are not only proving yourself worth of friendship, but also laying the ground work for future recruits from those lurking. If they see you give a general interest in the person, and spot your signature line, they are going to much more likely to join should your business be what they are looking for.

Also another point that needs to be made - never email or send private messages unless that person has specifically asked for this information. Word of mouth travels far, and people remember those that "spam" them.

Remember: Quality Over Quantity!

Scenario 2

A new mother has signed up to a message board you visit often. Her first post may sound something like this:

"I'm looking for a way to work at home, can anyone help me? I might be interested in selling Candles or Children's Toys. Any suggestions?"

First and foremost, DO NOT reply with your Gourmet Food business or any other business that does not have anything to do with Candles or Children's Toys. She's already mentioned that she's interested in these types of products. Replying with anything other than what was requested can actually make you one look like a fool and two makes you look like you're not interested in anything else BUT recruiting. You didn't even take the time to see what she wanted in the first place. That doesn't seem like you care much about their wants/needs.

Scenario 3

Message Board Post:

"Hi, I'm interested in the Mary Kay business opportunity. Can someone please post a little more information?"

As mentioned above, do not reply with ...

You've got mail! OR I've PMed you! First of all it makes the business look "sneaky" like there's something secretive about the business. Secondly, she didn't request to be bombarded with emails or PMs. She asked that the information be posted there. Need I mention spam laws?

Lurkers...

There are way more lurkers on message boards versus actual posters. Some people just prefer to lurk and don't ever post. If you post the information right there, lurkers will see the information and also see the link in your signature line. If you send the original poster and email or pm; the lurker is most likely going to search elsewhere for the information. Potential recruit lost.

Scenario 4

Message Board Post:

"Hi, I'm interested in the Discovery Toys business opportunity. Can someone please post a little more information?"

After the original post you see one or two posts. Maybe someone answered her question and they've been posting back and forth about it. Or maybe a couple of different reps have answered a couple of different ways. Do NOT jump in and say the same thing that's already been posted. Do NOT jump in and say something different and say ... visit my website or send me an email. This is just plain rude. If you can't say something different than what has already been said or nothing more than contact me ... don't bother posting. Another thing that is rude is to contact the original poster privately when it's more than apparent that she's working with someone else.

Remember what your mother taught you. Play nice and don't do something that you wouldn't want done to you!

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About the Authors: Kara Kelso & Anita DeFrank are two busy wahms, and the owners of Direct Sales Helpers. For more Direct Sales Success Tips, visit: http://www.directsaleshelpers.com/newsletter.html