How to Use MySpace to Build Business Contacts and Your Client List

Using MySpace to build solid, usable business contacts isn't as far fetched as it may sound. While the forums and groups tend to frown upon spammed messages crowding out their discussions, it is possible to offer legitimate products and services to MySpace users if you respect the boundaries that are in place. You can set up a MySpace account for anyone, even an organization. Make sure that you are setting up the account in your company's name (if you are a sole proprietorship or home business,) but in your own name if you work for a larger company and are building a client list. Provide your contact information for your business under notices, and then start pimping your page. It's really easiest to use some of the pre-written HTML code available for free from sites across the internet, but if you are versed in writing HTML code, you can set your MySpace site up with your business logo, company colors, and contact information in a completely customizable format.

The next step is to get out into the forums and promote. Stick to the forums that topically fit the product or service you are selling, and avoid spamming. The whole point of forums is the ability to connect with people via word of mouth. If the product or service you are offering is wanted by the forum users, they will let each other know about it. Present yourself as a user of the forum who has something of value to the other forum users. This way you can avoid being barred from the forums due to spamming. While there's no easy way to do it, you can build a solid client base just from using these forums and the word of mouth advertising that they offer.

If you have a specific product to sell, and you need to get in touch with potential users for this product, there isn't much better place to get feedback on the product than with MySpace. The hundreds of thousands of users are generally a pretty outspoken bunch, and will let you know quickly if your product won't fly. Start asking people in the forums. If you're selling an automotive product, choose one of the automotive forums. If your product is a new online dating service, choose one of the love and life forums. There's something there for everyone, just remember to remain within the topic of the forum. There's no quicker way to get yourself a bad name than to be blindly hawking products that no one has any use for.