Have you ever looked at discussions on linken, twitter or other social media sites and noticed that the majority of them are not discussions but promotions of their own websites, blogs and services??
Industry discussion boards are for just that, discussions. If someone can not respond to what you've written then how is it starting a discussion? Promoting yourself is very important to your business but it should be done in the appropriate places. Community boards are a key element to expanding your business on a national or international scale. It can help build credibility and relationships that would otherwise not have been possible. YET shameless self promotion will not help to build those opportunities for you.
When engaging in these forms of media be sure to contribute what other people need, not what you have to sell. Answer a question, pose a question, give input and give back to the community. People will naturally come to you for your services if they like what you are saying and believe that you are helpful and trustworthy. This actually builds a better lead system for you. The potential clients are more qualified because they are aligned with your principals.
Don't ruin the discussion boards for all. If keep trying to sell on these forums the rest of us will stop looking at them, then the people who are actually looking for input and help will be missing out.
