Forums, online discussion groups, can be found on many websites. Companies, individuals or groups often have their own web-based forums, which are a good source of technical information or just general discussions. They can be closed for private use only or open to anyone to post messages, which are usually sorted within different categories, or topics. Posting to forums is obviously effective when an immediate answer is not required. Forum can be found by searching for topic or subject with word 'forum' or 'forums'. Forums are a great way to participate in a community that is discussing a particular topic, or communicate with a group of people interested in same topic.

Rules & Regulations Before you post to a forum its important that you read Charter or description of forum and determine what is appropriate. It is probably not a bad idea to monitor a newsgroup for a few days prior to posting. Understanding what is accepted or not accepted in each newsgroup will go a long way in befriending participants.

by Brian Konradt

Too many sales letters are shaped into paper airplanes and flown into trash cans because freelancers write sales letters that sell their services. These freelancers have never listened to quietly- whispered secret that says their sales letters should sell solutions, not services, to yield best results.

Solutions are jewels; they shimmer in sales pieces.

Prospects will peruse your sales letter if they discover you have a solution (or solutions) to their existing or future problem or problems.

To write a "solution-savvy" sales letter follow copywriter’s adage: write "client-centered" copy. Zero in on prospect, his business, his needs, his problems. Then pitch yourself as freelancer who can fulfill his needs and solve his problems. Crown your claims with clients whom you’ve worked for and specific results you’ve achieved on solving similar problems.

Here are four softly-whispered secrets to write a solution-savvy sales letter:

• SECRET #1: FOCUS ON THE CLIENT’S NEED OR PROBLEM. As a freelancer writing for this client’s business and industry, you should know type of needs and problems client faces regularly — or could face in future. Zero in on a specific need or problem that is hurting client’s profitability or productivity. (Note: prospects are more motivated to contact you if you pitch yourself as a freelancer who has a solution to a present problem, rather than a future or potential problem).

• SECRET #2: FOCUS ON THE BENEFITS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEM OR MEETING THE NEED. Tell prospect what he and his business can gain if his problem is solved. Usually, it means an increase in profitability or productivity. Maybe both. Also stress possible consequences of not taking action now to solve this problem.