The very first activity you should complete in your new business is defining your target market and where they conduct business. Even better, would be to locate your niche market.

These 5 ways will unite you with your target market and assist you in making a connection.

1)Join up to three active business forums where your target market hangs out. Learn the topics being discussed and what their issues are.

2)Write articles on those topics that your target market is interested in. Post on your website and on article directories. This is one of the best ways to drive targeted market to your website and also gives you the notoriety as the expert on certain topics.

3)Host or be a guest of a webinar that interest your target market. Find a membership group online and contact the owner to arrange a free webinar. Give away some of your knowledge and show that you know your business.

4)Advertise on sites that your target market visits and/or advertise in trade magazines (could be eZines) that your target market receives or produces.

5)Conduct an online contest to grow your contact list. Give away something that your target market would be interested in. It can be a report, a physical gift (don’t forget you then have to mail it with postage costs) or a regular eZine. The eZine is one of the best ways to keep in front of your target market. Experts suggest a weekly version but you might want to start monthly and gradually work your way to weekly.

Pamela Akkerman is an author, webinar instructor and freelance executive assistant specializing in assisting entrepreneurs with internet marketing and office management. She is founder and President of WebExecutiveAssistant.com. This month (April 2007) is the official grand opening of VAisBORN.com - the only online support community for aspiring and new virtual assistants.