As is evidenced by some of the large social networks available online Social Networking is very popular. We are referring to places like My Space, eEntrepreneur, Facebook a many more.

Social networking can be used to build your internet based business, for example by combining blogging and social bookmarking to post blog articles to various social directories. There are thousands of sites and you can quickly do this in directories such as Stumbleupon, Propeller and Digg.

Through these social networks you will meet people with common interests. Posting articles on your Blog will create search engine bait as well as traffic from various social directories. This is an easy way to make new contacts and build up your internet based business on the Internet.

Another great way to meet people with common interests is in the Discussion forums and although they are not commonly referred to as social networking sites they serve a similar function. You can join forums as they relate to the theme of your internet based business and get to know the members, offer your expertise and exchange ideas.

Discussion forums are where joint ventures are formed almost on a daily basis. The key to making discussion forums work and building your internet based business is to become involved and join in the discussions as opposed to being viewed as a spammer or a person who is just trying to sell something to the forum members.

If you like people this really isn't that hard to do. Discussion forums are excellent places to keep up-to-date with what is going on in the Internet and in the internet based business arena also!

You will certainly enjoy the interaction and banter back and forth that occurs in the different threads if you like interacting with people. Most forums allow you to create a signature file which will promote your internet based business passively. You will get tips on how to set up your signature file for greatest effect if you have a look around at other members' signature files. A well worded signature file can attract a lot of traffic.

As long as you are willing to work getting to know people and build relationships then the social network sites and discussion forms are two ways to combine social networking with your internet based business.