How to Get the Most from Organizations
Being a MicroISV can be an isolating experience. Participating in a software organization and communicating with other developers can go a long way in alleviating some of the isolation. Once the decision to join is made and an organization is selected, the developer should follow these simple rules to get the most from their membership...

Participation
The key to benefiting from a software organization is participating. Being a member of a software organization or association is simply not enough. In order to truly benefit from the membership, a MicroISV must actively participate in the organization.

Keep Your Goals In Mind
Keep it professional. All discussions should remain professional and courteous. Keep in mind that community members may be potential customers, or may have knowledge and information that could be valuable in improving your business.

Avoid Food Fights
Software organizations attract MicroISVs who are entrepreneurs, so they typically have strong personalities and are accustomed to having things their own way. Be helpful and professional. Do not get caught up in arguments that are irrelevant. The MicroISV community is global, and developers are bound to have a wide variety of political and social views that you may not agree with. Stick to common interests and relevant topics.

Email / Forum Signature
When posting in member forums, be sure to include a "signature" in your forum posts which includes your full name, your website URL, and tag line for your business. Forum rules often require that posters use their full names to avoid confusion. Even if the reader isn't interested in your message content, they might be interested in the website or products mentioned in your signature. A similar signature should be included in all email messages as well.

Network
Use the communication channels provided within the organization to engage others and discuss issues relevant to software marketing and development.

Awareness
Be aware of cultural differences and the flatness of any communication mediums. Make an attempt to interpret posts in the best possible way, remembering that they can easily be misinterpreted on occasion because of language and cultural nuances and differences.

Software organizations can help bridge a community that is dispersed and isolated, and can give MicroISVs valuable and profitable information that may be otherwise difficult to obtain.

Help Others
Keep your posts candid and genuine. The saying "what comes around goes around" applies to organization participation. No one likes "takers". Help others when you can. Qualify your expertise and explain your views so they can be assessed. Today's desktop sharing technology is not only simple to use, it can also be used for web conferencing and remote support issues.