This article makes great points. It truly does depend on your target audiences, marketing goals, and business goals. We've found though that getting offline and meeting people in person is also an essential part of a good networking strategy. In fact, we created our own networking group in the Philadelphia area that has brought in nearly two dozen business owners and created opportunities for these businesses to help each other.

When you can't find a good networking group to join, start one. Meetup helped us take it to the next level and grow into two chapters very quickly. It's another, more direct networking opportunity. And the best part - by creating our own networking group, we are the hosts and the experts in the room, which builds credibility and helps forge strong relationships with other businesses in the area. 

Just a little something additional to consider.