Optimizing The Use of Social/Business Networking

I recently joined a business networking site called, Directmatches.com. The Site Identifies like Minded peolpe and network you with them based on your business profile.

I feel its a good site, excerpt that, most people approach the networking aspect wrongly. I mean after I signed, I was bombarded with messages from a good number of networkers, (about 40 to be exact)and the funny thing is 90% of those messages were sales pitches. Everyone was trying to pitch their own business opportunity from all angles.
I know Internet Marketing is the buss-word right now, but the way people are approaching it is wrong. I mean Shoundn't we try to introduce ourself first and try to learn about the other person just to open the paths of communication? Who are you more likely to buy something from? Someone you just met or the person you know even if its just for a couple of weeks? I will honestly interact with someone I know a little bit about than a complete stranger.

All I am saying is getting to know the other person first will convey a sense of sincerity about you and open the channels of communication that will lead knowledge sharing and possibly business interaction.
and I believe thats how people should approach new contacts in networking site like DirectMatches.com