Online networking is quite different than in-person networking, so I thought I’d share some of my own insights about online networking this week.

As a stay-at-home Mom of 3 children, which includes a 3-year-old, I am pretty much home bound. In-person networking events would require a lot of preparation, reorganization and sacrifice for my family, so that’s out of the question for now. Therefore, I’ve been doing all my networking online.

I have to agree with Ryan, it’s one of the best ways to find clients. This is something I discovered by accident, since I didn’t start networking to find clients. I joined forums because I wanted support and guidance in setting up my home business. However, many of the entrepreneurs I met online became my very first clients.

Without further ado, I’d like to share with you my top tips for online networking:

1. Find the right network.

I’m assuming you have a clear idea of your Ideal Client. If so, then you’ll be able to choose the right online networks to join. One way to do this is to go to Google and type “[industry or other keyword] forum”.

Another way to find the right forums is to identify a few people who fit the profile of your Ideal Client. Maybe you see them on Twitter, or Facebook or a blog. And then find out which groups they belong to. You could ask them point-blank or read around their blogs to find any mention of a mastermind or other group where they’re active.

2. Create an attractive signature line.

Once you’ve joined a forum, fill out your profile and write a nice signature line. This is the equivalent of your business card in face-to-face networking events. Once again, your understanding of your Ideal Client will serve you well here. Craft a signature line that promises your solution to your Ideal Client’s pain. For example, at the Self-Starters Weekly Tips Elite Forum (<=shameless affiliate link), my current signature line is “Helping you attract more buyers without sacrificing your integrity.”

Some key things about your signature line: You should use words that your Ideal Client uses. My signature line for SSWT, for instance, wouldn’t work in a forum where people don’t sell anything or know about integrity online.

If you have a freebie for your Ideal Clients, your signature line could be a call to get that freebie, such as: “Click here to download your free web conversion checklist.”

3. Network with authenticity.

Don’t be an obnoxious client-chaser. Get active in the forum. Introduce yourself, what you do and what your goals are (that are relevant in that particular forum). Read people’s posts and respond anytime you see an opportunity to help out. In my case, I always reply when I see somebody asking for feedback about their sales page or squeeze page.

Get to know the other members. Pretty soon, you’re going to click with certain people in the forum. Connect with them on Twitter and/or Facebook as well. Leave comments on their blog. Invite them to guest post on yours. Be a friend.

4. Make an offer.

Before you do this, double-check the forum’s rules to make sure it’s allowed. Most forums I’ve been to have a space for members to offer their services. If yours does, then by all means post an offer there. Even better: offer a discount to the forum members.

5. Be an asset.

Find ways you can be helpful to the forum members as well as to the one who runs the forum. Offer to do something for free now and then. Hire somebody from the forum, if you need to outsource anything. Give forum members free copies of your paid ebook, or at least a substantial discount.

It may seem like you’re doing nothing but giving, but believe me, it will come back to you a hundredfold — or even more.

The point of online networking is to meet people who are your Ideal Client, and help them get to know you. It’s easier to market your services to those who are already familiar with you and your work. The forum also allows you to give your prospects a taste of your expertise. If they like what they see, then they’ll be likely to hire you.

You’ll also meet people who may never hire you but send referrals and other opportunities your way. This could be to guest blog in a high-traffic site, joint venture partnerships or other ways you can leverage your time and skills.

Online networks also tend to be much cheaper than face-to-face networking events. Getting just one client on a network could more than pay for one year’s membership in that forum. Consider this an investment that will be pay off immensely in terms of growing your business, as well as your professional and personal growth.

What’s your experience?

Have you ever found a client through an online network? What do you think you did correctly to land that project? Do share your insights.

photo credit: theogeo