Tips for Success

You're here because you're looking for answers to your technology services questions. Right? Good news -- Tech Services Forum was established to help you do just that. Here are five simple tips that you can use to increase your likelihood of getting a helpful answer from your peers in the community.

Tip #1: Create a Compelling Question

Some questions can be written in a sentence or two, while others require more detail -- sometimes even charts or graphs. The general rule-of-thumb is to provide all the details needed so other members can help you (but no more). Keep in mind that the more care you put into your question, the more care other members will put into their answers. And remember, a well-written question using proper grammar is much easier to read, and it speaks much more highly of your credibility as someone the community wants to engage with.

• Tip #1.5: A Picture Says a Thousand Words... Include a Profile Pic! One thing all the unanswered questions on TSF have in common is that the poster did not include a photo in his or her profile. It really does make a difference!

Tip #2: When Crafting a Question Title, Put On Your Marketing Hat!

The title you use is critical for getting folks to read your post. It's your one and only "hook" so make it relevant and compelling for the community. Be clear and to the point. Consider why other members would want to take their time to click to read your post. Are you really considering using ALL CAPS, lengthy sentences, excessive exclamation points, or question marks?????? Really?

Tip #3: Take a "Time-out" Before You Post

Slow down, take a deep breath and think before posting your question. Sure, you want an answer quickly, but posting a poorly worded question will decrease your chances for getting a good answer. Take a few moments more to word your question carefully, then review it before you post. And remember -- your posts are in the public domain. What you say, and how you say it, are out there for anyone to find!

Tip #4: Get Found by Tagging Your Post

Tags are the backbone of many online communities. Tags place your question in specific categories, and help the community search for -- and find -- relevant content. Using a tag such as "Social Media" is relevant, whereas using a tag of “Help me” is meaningless to the community.

Tip #5: Balance Asking, Answering & Referring

Let's face it, most people come to the discussion forums looking for answers. That means there are typically many more questions than answers, resulting in a lopsided community. Do your part to balance out the community by answering as many questions as you ask, or at least referring questions to your peers who know the answer.

Bad Example
Title: HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Question: can't understand how staff thinks about 24x7 need help
Tags: help me, working, understand, jim beam

Good Example
Title: Twitter for Service & Support?
Question: Comcast, Verizon, Dell and many others are "all in." Are you using Twitter for service? Are you seeing others that are using it (successfully or unsuccessfully)?
Tags: Twitter, Social Media, Web 2.0, Online Communities