A fundamental tool of a good networker is a thorough master database of contacts. While Outlook is passable as a contact manager, its primary focus is still as an e-mail client. True contact management tools are much better suited for active networking.

An interesting aspect of the emergent online networking trend is the combination of itwith face-to-face get-togethers. Ecademy and Ryze were started out of in-person networking groups, and eWomenNetwork, originally planned as an online-only community, attracts large monthly luncheon crowds. Meetup.com takes this one step further — it exists exclusively for the purpsose of helping people connect online so that they can connect in person.

Developing and maintaining a good reputation is essential for any networking, but especially for online networking. It takes time to develop a solid reputation, but only an instant to lose it, so you must take care in how you participate in networking communities. Be deliberate and methodical, not haphazard. Developing a systematic approach to how you initiate your participation in mailing lists and discussion forums is one of the surest ways to consistently create a good first impression.

For whatever reason, business-oriented mailing lists have had traction on Yahoo Groups that MSN Groups and AOL Groups have never matched. Skimming through the groups under the business categories in MSN or AOL will turn up primarily lists with fewer than 10 people. On Yahoo Groups, though, many lists contain several thousand people.

Many people think of publishing articles as “publicity”, but not as “networking”. Keep in mind, though, that two key aspects to increasing the value of your network are the number of connections and credibility. Publishing articles dramatically increases both your exposure and your credibility, making it a great networking tool.

One of the top destination sites on the Web, About.com is unique in that it provides original content, human-edited links to Web content, news, and online community on several hundred subjects, from ADD to Zoology, and everything in between. This unique combination of features, plus the fact that each guide is a real (and generally very accessible) human being make About a great networking opportunity.

For networking purposes, we strongly recommend you get a permanent email address, either your own domain or a forwarding service that you can route to your ISP-based account.

Business networking is inextricably tied to both knowledge networking and social networking - wherever one is occurring, the other two usually are, as well. SmallBusiness.com is a site for small business owners and related experts to come together and share their expertise and experiences.