Online networking allows you to interact with people that you would not normally meet in traditional settings. People that you would normally consider unreachable in real life become open and accessible. We all have strengths that we can share with others in addition to be able to seek advice from others when we have questions that can not be answered by our traditional circle of influence, using online networking. One of the most critical keys in networking is to be a giver to your peers before you try to leverage the power of your online contacts when you need them.

"Those who ignore the party/conversation/network when they are content and decide to drop in when they need the network may not succeed. It’s pretty easy to spot those that are just joining the network purely to take –not to give. Therefore, be part of the party/conversation/network before you need anything from anyone. Start now, and continue to build relationships by giving now: share knowledge, help others, and become a trusted node and connector, not just an outlying ‘dot’ of a comet that swings in every 4 years or so." - Web Strategy by Jeremiah Owyang

You can participate in the community here at Driving Sales on many levels and build your network. You do not have to be an authority to contribute and leverage the power of online networking. You can invite your peers, rate strategies, rate vendors and connect with others in the industry. Get your name out there, you will be surprised how much your network will support you when you really need it. I am living proof of that.