You may have noticed the quote by Zig Ziglar in the header of our blog that reads You can have everything in life that you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want. I want to highlight one point in the Chris Hanisco interview that I just find absolutely fascinating.

I realize that this was a long post especially for a blog, but definitely worth reading. My biggest take-away from talking with Chris from an internet marketing perspective was the fact that every single major media opportunity she received came as a result of a scout finding her site through her posts on various online forums.

These aren’t small time media mentions; we’re talking ABC World News Tonight and Family Circle Magazine.

It’s important to note that Chris didn’t start posting on forums in order to get this attention. She participates in online forums because she enjoys helping other small business owners solve their problems, which is the manifestation of the Zig Ziglar quote. By helping other people, Chris realized success beyond what she ever originally anticipated.

It’s easy to say that we don’t have enough time to devote to helping others without expecting anything in return. But here is a real example of how this type of goodwill has returned perhaps more than the time invested. Chris is very active in Start Up Nation as well as several other small business forums.

I’m curious about this topic on several levels.  First, how have you seen this phenomenon Zig Ziglar speaks of play out in your life?

On a more fundamental level, do you participate in any forums? If so, which ones? If not, which forums have you found online that are particularly helpful? 

You may like this Yahoo Group. I just joined it on Wednesday.

Description: “This group is a place where people can submit blog posts that they believe are of interest to other members. Then the group link to and possibly StumbleUpon or digg those posts – assuming they find them interesting. Abusers will be booted.”

Please note the part that I made bold. I like that part. Also, you have to be approved and your first few messages are moderated.

I’ve asked many of the Small Business Center Directors in the North Carolina Community College System to contribute a post every Thursday to our new section titled “Small Biz Corner.” All of the Directors work with Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and those just getting started. You can enjoy reading “Small Biz Corner” every Thursday beginning Thursday, July 31st.