RE: The UKBF Offers section

[Stationery-Direct]

Im just wondering if anybody agrees with me.

I have noticed that some people do not bother adding any constructive input to this forum other than information to promote their latest deal in the UKBF offers section, sometimes on a daily basis. I understand that this is what this part of the forum is for but at least take the time to help out elsewhere.

I do advertise in this section myself, but take the time to help out elsewhere when I can.

I think that you should only be able to post 1 message in the offers section for every 10 elsewhere.

What do you think?

[Jayne]

Hi,

I've noticed that too, some just post ads then vanish into thin air. If you take the time to help others if you can, then they will help you if you need it. Plus I wouldn't then run out of posts to read :lol:

Jayne

[RSL]

To be honest I think its a matter of ignoring the items you do not like. This is an open business forum and no matter what people are going to use it as a platform to promote their businesses. All the people who make th emost difference and who make this site the most useful are those who are here regularly and offer regular advice. The offers section is a good way for newbies to promote their business...its up to them to continue using the forum.

:-)

[Ozzy]

Those people who pop in just to post an advert and then disappear are missing the point of networking, and those are the people who will complain that networking doesnt work for them.
I have given business to other forum members, and so have quite of few others done the same. Those of us that have have always only dealt with the other active forum members because we have got to know the person through their forum posts first - people dealing with people.

Personally my advice, just ignore them. They will fade off the bottom of the list and never be seen again ;)

[kyber]

I also have no problem with the use of this area. In fact, if a company is willing to offer a geniune additional benefit/discount to forum members through this channel then so be it.

The forum is probably big enough now to approach some providers directly to invite them to offer discounts to members. Insurance for small businesses or home businesses anyone?

Stuart

[Ravenfire]

TBH I think thats normal on a lot of forums. It has to be said that I would be more likely to consider an offer from a regular rather than someone just posting to promote.

[fastfences]

It has to be said that I would be more likely to consider an offer from a regular rather than someone just posting to promote.

Likewise! Well stated!

[FE]

I post and moderate on many forums that are on a very different subject matter but will say this one has all the REAL benefits of networking. I have already employed the services of one member / company and feel confident of employing more.

That in itself means the forum works for me and for them as it is simple networking.

The way i see it i may get zero sales but that is not why i joined. i have already gained loads of information and been advised on issues such as IT and legal for nothing. I have spent money (when i pay the invoice LOL) on employing service i was not previously looking for and the customer attention etc has been second to none. That may be the usual service level or may be because i am a member here but i am very happy.

I know a little off topic but think sometimes you need to realsie what a new meber experiences and if i were forum owner i would be very happy as the concept is very accurate. if it produces a revenue stream i do not know

FE

[daveashton]

well having tried various methods on various forums.
Good advice= some leads
Great advice= more and higher quality
Volume only provides a minor benefit if posts are greater than once a week
No advice= just a few links that google see's i.e. your signature.

[VeryMark]

This is the nearest I have found to real time networking - much better than Ecademy, LinkedIn, Ryze, etc.

[Ozzy]

The purpose of this forum is both to provide an online way to network that is not as cumbersome as some other sites, and more importantly than that a resource of information for everyone in business.

I have a dream to setup a network support group in my local area where owners of businesses can get together and share their strengths with each other. Meet up once a month, and learn from each other. In my mind this forum is pretty much that online, and if people do business with each other aswell then all the better. I know quite a few people on here met on here and do business together - I think that is great.

I also know that this forum has some flaws, and that there is also a lot of people who just use these forums to post a blatant blag then disappear, but we do try and keep on top of it best we can!