Network strategies differ according to the social or business network that you have joined. Some peer networking groups are strictly business, some are more informal with member profiles offering both personal and business information. Some networks are only for play, such as the thousands of sports communities that have blossomed on the web. No matter the variations though, basic networking strategies will apply across the board. MediaPost.com offers a few thoughts.

Once you are in a network, the first thing that you tend to want to do is invite your friends. Good idea, but not every name in your Outlook. Some of those folks you haven’t seen in quite awhile, some, the relations are tenuous. Populate your network with connections that will bear fruit.

By the same token, even though you are there to gain benefits from the association, those benefits will roll in naturally if you look to see who you can help out.

“It goes without saying that being a social animal and genuinely liking people makes this process a lot better. I like staying in touch with people and finding out what they are up to and I maintain contact with folks even if they’ve long ago left the business. Having a sincere interest in people and their lives makes networking a joy rather than a job.”

Use the tools that your network offers. Bulletin boards, forums, blogs – all are there to amplify your voice.