The World's Best Known Marketing Secret

Ivan Misner suggested in his book "The World's Best Known Marketing Secret" that people participate in the following types of networks: casual-contact networks, strong-contact networks, professional associations, service clubs, social organizations, and women's business organizations. He has since modified this recommendation to include online networks.*

There are numerous types of online networks you can join, such as industry specific organizations, discussion groups or who's who networks. Whichever one you choose to join, you can't just add your name to a list and expect the organization to work for you; rather you have to focus on building relationships with the other members of the community. Be active in your group by contributing to discussions, posting on bulletin boards, or creating a sub-group in your region. You should also respond to other people's posts, threads and requests in order to establish yourself as an involved member of the community and not just a loiterer who adds no value. Also, it will be more effective to join fewer groups and spend more time cultivating the relationship than to join too many and barely participate.

*excerpted from Entrepreneur.com