When I first started my coaching/consulting business, there was really only one way to network - face to face. Since then, we have seen the explosion of Web 2.0 and Social Networking. Social Media has taken the world by storm. What a fabulous and exciting playground for those of us who genuinely like networking and connecting with people. Now, the world is our proverbial oyster, and we have no geographic limits whatsoever!

As I've engaged in Blogging,Tweeting, Facebook-ing, and answering the question, "what are you doing," I've had occasion to hearken back to my earliest days of networking, back when I was learning the ropes, figuring out the protocol. And, it occurs to me that the "rules" for Web 2.0 networking are not really any different than for old fashioned networking. In no particular order, this are my top tips for social Networkers.

1) Be interesting - Develop a sharp, snappy response to the dreaded question - so, tell me, what do you do? Now, tell me, in less than 5 second what you do ... for me. Great! Now use that on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and all your other favorite social networking sites. Twitter allows you 160 characters to do this - I challenge you to do it in less.

2) Be interested - It is not about you! Or, in the immortal words of JFK, the United States' 35th president, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." This is really the Golden Rule in any kind of networking. So ask questions and be curious about the people you meet online.

3) Be involved - Don't just join, get involved. Remember those people who would join the Chamber of Commerce, never attend a single event, and then complain endlessly that they weren't getting any results. Well, man up! Life isn't a spectator sport, and neither is networking. If you join a local organization, please volunteer to serve on a committee. And, if you post a profile on LinkedIn, Plaxo, Facebook, et al, please join and participate in some of the interest groups. No one is going to know how talented and delightful you are if you spend your time in the corner.

4) Be valuable - once you've joined those groups, be sure to answer questions and offer your wisdom and expertise - freely and generously! The founder of BNI, Ivan Meisner, coined the phrase Givers Gain. Embrace it and live it. If you don't know what I mean, buy a couple of Meisner's books; and while you are at it, get "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi. I believe that there is a big karmic circle in the networking universe that rewards those who give. Answer questions, offer resources, be valuable.

5) Be specific - If you need some help or an introduction or whatever, please do not be vague. One of the biggest mistakes I see people making, in person and online, is being coy about what they want. If you want an introduction to a particular person, please tell us that, and tell us why. Of course, I am assuming that you have already practiced the abovementioned rules religiously and have thereby earned the right to ask for help.

6) Be visible - Please, post a real picture of you, not a picture of your goldfish or your avatar! Networking is about building relationships. How do you expect me to get to know you if I do not know what you look like?

7) Be transparent - Get to know people. In the days of face-to-face networking, it was common to meet for a cup of tea or coffee, or lunch. This allowed us to get to know a little about the other person as a person, not just a business contact. It is no different online. Give me a little insight into who you are, what your interests are, what makes you unique and special. Most people who know me know that I am a closet foodie, that I battled a brain tumor and won, and that I love my husband dearly. Now, tell me something about you.