Do not be pushy
Many members of social networking groups have had bad experiences with pushy types. "Be sensitive to other peoples' networks," says Jenna Gausman, a career counsellor with Kerwin and Associates. "Do not be overly aggressive in trying to 'get in' the network of others. A person who is too persistent can be annoying."

Speak your mind
To preserve your reputation, keep your promises when offering to facilitate a personal introduction or find a phone number. "You must follow through," says Gausman. And if you express interest in another person's help, be sure to follow up on the person's assistance. "They are giving up a piece of their network, and their reputation is now on the line, so to speak," Gausman says. "At least reach out to that person."

Face-to-face
Just because your network is developed online does not mean relationships remain there. Social networking sites often connect people offline through individual meetings or group events. Career coach Lynn Berger recommends a brief, prepared introduction for group events. "This way, the individual does not fumble around and miss the opportunity to make a good impression," she says.