Before you do anything, please realize that you are dealing with REAL PEOPLE. The Internet seems like this anonymous place where you might feel people won't really notice you if you engage in any vampirish behavior, but realize that the Internet is no different than dealing with people offline.

Treat people with respect, get to know them first and you'll have plenty of valuable contacts for your business. No, most probably won't join your business opportunity, but they will teach you a lot about business, will refer others to you and will be a great asset to your business – even if they never buy a thing from you.

Some Online Networking No-Nos:

- Sending private messages or emails about your business opportunity or products to another member is in poor taste. If you want to contact someone privately because you feel you have something in common, go for it, but don't recruit or sell.

- When you introduce yourself on a networking group, it's usually okay to say what you do…but don't invite people to check out your website or say that you are looking for new customers or recruits.

- Even if a message board or networking group allows you to post ads in certain places or on certain days, don't bother if you're new. Get to know the group first and then they'll be more interested your offers.

When you have a new business, it can be stressful and you feel pressure to get results. The important thing to remember is that results come from building long-term relationships and not from preying on online networking groups.

Don't suck the blood out of all your prospects and people who can connect you with potential prospects before you even get started.