Build useful relationships by joining communities

Posted 30 June 2008 at 4:21PM by Derek Hemphill in newsletter

Over 87,000 people can't be wrong, right? That's how many Tradespace members have joined the online community called The Lounge. So what's all the fuss about? Well, The Lounge is the place to get started networking, learn who's using the site and why, what they're up to and to ask for opinion and help. No subject is too specific or too broad.

Do you want to know where to sell your funky homemade crafts? Or how to ship goods cheaply? Do you want to test out a new product or brand name? Or become a fully trained nail technician? All human life is here and it's ready and waiting, at your disposal. Effectively, you have the opportunity to pick a huge business brain about anything you like. On top of that, you can flaunt your own expertise and experience by helping others out, too. And the skills you can acquire whilst in The Lounge can be incredible - from how to tile and plaster like a pro, to how to make your web pages more appealing (Tradespacers are always keen to give you an honest opinion).

Fancy something loftier? Then join a debate. The subjects under discussion are far-reaching and varied. Will 2008 be the year of social commerce? In fact, just what is social commerce? Is free-range the way forward? The ideas are flowing and the more you get involved, the greater the benefit - not just from the useful information you may glean but because each entry, question or response helps make your Tradespace page stand out. You can also ask other members to link between your external sites and theirs, or find the people you'd like to choose as a 'business we like' - likeminded souls whose ambitions and objectives float your boat.

The Lounge often features exclusive member-to-member discounts, very much in the spirit of mutual advancement on which Tradespace works. The social networking aspect of the site taps in directly to this uniquely helpful and generous spirit - not something the bigger boys would recognize as standard practice. But more and more these days there is an acknowledgement that 'what goes around comes around', and helping other people commercially isn't merely altruistic but beneficial to the overall image of your enterprise. Basically, people are happy to share their advice and to help other small businesses along because there's a genuine feeling of being 'in it together'. That's the joy of communities.

So it's true that chatting virtually in The Lounge can give you loads of ideas and help with many of life's quandaries but don't forget there's fun to be had too. Look out, for instance. That must be clear proof you can also have a bit of fun while building relationships with your business peers!

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