One easy way of sharing and growing your network is to run your own e-mail list. This is even more effective than simply becoming active in a pre-existing list, since you have full control of the list and the participants, and can market yourself readily with every contribution and on the list’s website.

At first glance, Lockergnome might appear to be just another set of technology newsletters, Pirillo.com could seem like internet marketing hype, Gnomedex just another geek convention, and RentMyChest.com a silly internet gimmick. But talk to Chris Pirillo, the creator of this internet empire, or to some of his loyal readers (”gnomies”, as they call themselves), learn how this all came into existence, and you quickly come to the conclusion that Chris Pirillo is probably one of the greatest online networkers on the planet.

Networking” has a bad name among some, in large part because it is perceived as being centered on how you can exploit others. On the contrary: true networking is all about you finding out how you can help others.

eWomenNetwork.com is a membership-based organization focused on connecting and promoting women and their businesses worldwide. Their membership consists primarily of women business owners, entrepreneurs and corporate professionals. There are over 500 business categories represented in their online search engine.

The latest Houston Business Journal features a commentary by Scott Allen entitled
Online networking entering flow of mainstream business methods, in which Scott discusses the rapid adoption of online social networking by the business community as part of their overall marketing and business development strategy.

One of the best places to network is in volunteer organizations. Besides putting your skills to good use at a cause you believe in, you demonstrate your expertise and commitment to other like-minded individuals, who may become, or refer you to, prospective clients, partners, or employers for you.

NetAid.org represents a “growing network of people and organizations committed to ending extreme poverty”. They focus on bringing people together in a way that helps them achieve the United Nation’s goal of cutting poverty in half by 2015 by raising awareness and offering people concrete ways to take action.