Internet Rules for Business

• Original purpose of the Internet
• Being a Good Netizen
• Know Whom Thy Emails
• How to track contacts

Original purpose of the Internet

Contrary to popular belief, the Internet was not started as a free-for-all business nirvana. Indeed, it was begun (as many exciting projects are) by scientists as an easy way for them to communicate between one another by sending email over computer networks. Only recently (within the past few years) has the rest of the world realized the ease by which people could share information over this medium. Indeed, a whole list of guidelines exist which help people use the Internet in an enjoyable fashion. Here are rules for Usenet/Netnews postings.
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Being a Good Netizen

Just like you wouldn't be too thrilled to have strangers barging into your home without prior introduction, many Internet users don't appreciate a brick-through-the-skylight approach in reference to establishing communications. Keep in mind the following suggestions when starting out publicizing your business on the Internet.

• Don't send florists opportunities about C++ programming. IE, know your audience and try to ensure that the recipients of your email would truly be interested.
• Don't barge into mailing lists without first contacting the List owner for permission and an introduction. Courtesy goes a long way in this area.
• If you receive a nasty-gram concerning your correspondence, reply politely with an apology. Honor any requests for no further communications.
• Post your job opportunities in the relevant newsgroups. Readers of California jobs newsgroups generally aren't interested in Wisconsin positions. Don't post job openings in any resumes group.
• Provide a clear, easy way for interested parties to contact you. Nothing is more annoying (okay, some things are) than hunting around for phone numbers.
• If you generate your own mailing list, DO NOT! sell it or give it out without prior permission from the subscribers. This is simple good manners.
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Know Whom Thy Emails

When trying to discover new business opportunities or candidates, make certain (to the best of your ability) that the recipients will be interested. For example, let's say that you are trying to establish your recruiting business in Central NJ, and want to discover new talent. Instead of sending a mass email barrage, actively search out on the Internet locations where such talent resides. It could be the University Computer Club, the local PC User Group, the woman who owns a site and has posted her resume. Don't contact all blindly - first establish yourself to the Club president and form a working relationship. Granted, this does take time, but it can result in many more referrals in the future.

Businesses can also be approached in the same way. A Jewelry shop in Holmdel might be of interest to patrons of Hair Salons in the same locale. Exchange your business cards! By establishing your reputation as a great place in which to do business, you can broaden your circle of interested consumers.
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How to track contacts

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of timely responses when dealing with candidates on the Internet. Resumes falling through the cracks do you no good, and only irritate potential customers of your business. Should you create a website and market it well, be prepared for an increased amount of email. You must try to use some sort of tracking mechanism, else all your hard work becomes for naught.

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