Have you networked your friends and your friends’ friends, until you feel like there is no one left? Or have you ended more dates with a swift goodbye than a goodnight kiss? Ok girls, so you may think you have exhausted all possibilities to find a guy who rocks your world but fear not, we’re here to help! We have an alternative you may not have considered and when you do, you’ll realise how flawed the old ways of meeting men are.

Today girls, we are talking ‘finding you a man on the world wide web.’ Whether it’s full blown Internet dating or widening your connections with social networking such as Facebook and Myspace – many women (and men) who have turned to the net in desperation have been surprised by how delightful the outcome has been.

Internet dating is as simple as ordering that stunning dress from a catalog. You get the chance to really think about it before you buy, before they even know you are interested.

Now, understandably some girls aren’t ready to put themselves out there and let the world know they are single and still on a search for a man. But if you want to find your fella online, you don’t necessarily have to shout about it. Social networking is the new underestimated way of finding love. It’s like staring your dream guy in the face without him even knowing it.

Plus, with sites such as Facebook and Myspace you can even check out the people your dream date likes to keep as company-you know what they say about working people out through their friends.

Funnily enough Rich and I met on Myspace a couple of years ago and we haven’t looked back since. The secret is getting the initial, vital steps right.

STEP ONE

Study their profile, what they say about themselves and what other people say about them. Even what they say about other people. The pictures, their education, their status’ – learn as much as you can. Don’t worry girls, it only counts as stalking if you do this every day!

STEP TWO

Adding them as a friend – always write a message. Some say this is the most crucial bit to meeting men online, first impressions count and all. But as long are you are honest from the start, you’ll be fine. Ok, maybe don’t tell them you’ve seen their pics from their family holiday five years ago – that might just come across a little bunny boiling.

STEP THREE

The reply. If you don’t get one take the hint. The beauty of the Internet is how fast you can get results. Put it like this, if he doesn’t reply he’s just not that into you…NEXT.

STEP FOUR

The successful reply. This is great and you’re really getting somewhere. Now’s your chance to shine and show him what you’re all about – remember modesty girls. This is just like a first date – only with time to think about what comes out of your mouth; which is perfect for those of us who spend a lot of time with our foot in it.

STEP FIVE

Once you feel like your private message ping-pong is going well, it’s time to trade instant messaging addresses and take your internet dating to the next stage.

STEP SIX

So you’ve spent a few weeks talking now and you’re becoming continually intrigued by your new mate – it’s time to dust off that webcam. This isn’t an opportunity for a sordid net affair, it’s a chance for you to subtly verify that your new guy is who he says he is. Set up a video call and match his pictures to his video and you’ve just completed step six…

STEP SEVEN

It’s time to meet your man in the real world. You may be nervous at the thought of hooking up with him without the safety of your screen, but at this stage you should feel like you know each other pretty well. I really put Rich through his paces when we first met as we arranged to meet at a neutral bar for a chat face to face – little did he know that if he did well, I was about to introduce him to my closest friends and take him on a night out!

To me, one of the most important elements of a relationship is whether my man gets on with my friends. Remember to make it clear in the early stages what’s important to you in a relationship so there are no nasty surprises later on.

To be honest girls, as long a you’re open and honest from the start and you remember that not everyone is who they say they are – the Internet will provide you with a window to a world and endless possibilities of meeting a man that you never would have before. So remember, your perfect man is out there – he is just a couple of clicks and well-meaning messages away. Go get ‘em girls!