Top 5 (+2) Ways to Earn Respect on the Internet

 (part of the ProBlogger Top 5 Group Writing Project)

When Darren Rowse asked for people to join in his newest writing project, I figured it might be fun. Then, when I tried thinking of 5 things that could be helpful to those of us who work online, I came up with One Major Thing… RESPECT.

It is important in everyday life and is pretty visible in how your friendships and relationships evolve. You can see and hear how your interactivity with others can grow through the mutual respect you have nurtured.

This is a bit more difficult online. You need to work a little harder to gain the respect of prospective clients, advertisers, and peers, not to mention regular visitors to your site. So, in that vain, I offer you…

5 Ways to Earn Respect on the Internet

Honesty. This is probably the most important of the five. If you are upfront with people, whether they agree or not, they will always know where you stand. Let them know if you write something, they know it is what you truly believe.

Always Give Credit. If you quote someone, give them credit for what they said with a link. When referencing something another author wrote, link back to the original article. If you use a picture that is copywrited, at least give the name and title of the pic (I am guilty of not doing this one very often).

Participate. When someone is conducting a special project and you have something to contribute, do it. People invest a lot of time in things that mean a lot to them, and they appreciate when people notice enough to be a part of something of importance to them.

Offer Help. This is something that some business people online overlook. Most business have a contact us link, but how often can people find the help they need? Make sure to follow through with inquiries asking for your assistance, they will be back if you can give them what they need.

Say Things Privately. Not everything that needs to be said to a company or entrepreneur needs to be open to the public. Sometimes an E-Mail will work if there is a problem. Going public is not always the best option, sometimes things can be rectified quickly with a single EM.

Those are the Top 5 I have found that helped Me gain some respect online, but in writing this I came up with two more things that I found worked for others to gain My Respect.

Don’t Talk Down. When I read something, I usually know something about the subject, but I also don’t know everything. This is a fine line to walk, but speaking directly to the reader (with references to specifics) seems to work best for most people. Talk TO your readers, not AT them (or down to them, which is worse).

Say Yes. In the same genre, when a reader asks you for some help or a small favor (ie interview), give them a hand. As long as it is not a total inconvenience or cost you money, the respect you gain will be all the reward you need.

I would name all of the people here who have gained My Respect by doing some of the things I mentioned, but the list would go on forever.  Besides, they already know who they are and have numerous accolades from me. Thanks.

I’m sure I probably missed some other ways that an entrepreneur, business person or an individual can gain respect online. What would you add?

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[tags]ProBlogger Writing Project,Top Five,Online Respect,Online Business[/tags]

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