You can gain useful information by participating in the chats, can meet other folks and learn what they are doing. Use the same techniques that were discussed in the last issue on how to network and you will soon be building beneficial business relationships online. If you are not on AOL, try doing searches for a topic that is of interest to you and include chat in with the keywords. Many of the search engines list the content of these message board posts. By using keywords in your posts, you could pull up on searches and people will be able to read them and then go to your website from them.
Topics range from business, to hobbies, education, parenting etc.
Find a group in which you share common interests. By participating in discussions, you can develop personal and business relationships. While these are not appropriate places to advertise, most folks use a signature so that you can see what business they are in and they can learn what you do. If you start referring folks to people you meet through these groups, they will start remembering what you do and will refer back your way as well. Be sure that these sites are of interest to your prospects, but are not in direct competition with you.