If you are a business professional or an entrepreneur, the concept of using networking and relationships to expand & flourish your career is not a new concept for you. We are social creatures by nature; interdependency is the basis of the sophistication of our civilization. This interdependency in business has a simple name, "networking". It's hard to deny the fact that by networking with your existing business relationships, you can make just about any task simpler with just a call or email to your contacts. And now, this same concept of networking or building contacts in the real world has been transformed into the virtual world of the World Wide Web. With online networking, people join hands together on a common platform to build public and private networks. The purposes of these networks determine the kind of people that flock together building a particular network group. These networks extend beyond the physical boundaries of a building, city, state or country. The World Wide Web enables people to join hands globally for common goals. There is, of course, networking for pure fun and socializing, such as the websites that connect people for dating opportunities. However, more and more, networking websites specifically geared for professional and business purposes are rapidly evolving. Until recently though, it would not be wrong to say that the benefits of many of these professional and business networks online are underutilized. In the business arena, there are three main types of professional and business networks - traditional networking; structured networking clubs and online or e-networking. Traditional Networking as the name suggests is what every one is familiar with. That simply means meeting and greeting people. Having good relations in the industry you are in. Joining associations and visiting events pertaining to your line of business to have better contacts. Whether just in your office building or throughout your entire city, this approach can expand your business circle with potential business clients. There are also organizations that help facilitate traditional networking. Typical examples of such associations would be the Rotary International Chapter and your local Chamber of Commerce. Structured Networking Clubs are available that expect a lot of time commitment from you but are worth it. These clubs are a great help when it comes to starting with a new job or trying to get new business, but generally work for all professionals. Many structured networking clubs are designed to provide leads for its members. Many times this is mandated to such an extent, it is required to pass along leads to other members in order for one to remain a member in good standing. Many structured groups like Business Networking International (BNI), will only allow one person per profession/industry in each "chapter" or subgroup. Try searching Google for: "Networking Groups (city)" and replace (city) with your city or region. Chambers, Rotary's and structured groups usually require some sort of application and annual or monthly fee. They also have a tendency to maintain small groups of 10-50 people in each meeting. Nowadays, the most popular networking facilitators are the internet based networking websites that offer professional and business connections. These professional and business networking sites offer excellent opportunities to expand and flourish businesses. These are an amazing common platform wherein the people of various specialties and backgrounds join in for mutual business benefits. Even if you are an entrepreneur, these sites are very helpful to build relationships and gain exposure for your business. These sites have grown to be much more than contact-sharing sites. People have started to use them for job and employee hunting as well. A few of the sites have jumped to the cutting edge and provide resources and training to help professionals improve their skill set and facilitate personal and professional growth. When you join such a website you are able to become part of more than one group, thus serving a variety of needs and interests. The idea of e-networking is that you have a platform wherein you are exposed to and made visible to a greater number of people. This increased exposure helps you get in touch with the very people who could prove to be the help you need in getting your job done more efficiently and affordably. Add this on top of the fact others will find you via the personal profiles these networking sites list in their directories in combination with other marketing efforts they perform on your behalf. E-Networking sites greatest and most popular draw of course, is they are usually free tools to use and accessible from anywhere in world where there is an internet connection. Site benefits range from vastness of members like Linked In whose members number in the millions; to smaller startup sites like Networking City that compensate for quantity by adding to the social portion free professional trainings plus additional marketing tools like your own personal blog. A major key to success when joining any group, whether online or offline is your continued participation and a willingness to give before you expect to receive. This is the only way to truly benefit from your experiences with your contacts, online or otherwise. ©2009 Maurice Evans. All rights reserved. You may reproduce this article only so long as this full copyright and author information is included. Maurice Evans is an author, dynamic speaker and Guerrilla Marketing-Style Business Coach. He is the founder of http://www.aBusinessCoach.com and http://www.NetworkingCity.com Since 1992 he has assisted entrepreneurs in boosting profits while spending little or no money. For coaching sessions or speaking engagements call Toll Free: 1-800-691-2WIN