I think using directories and such like howling mentioned are just "layers" to your network. Make feeder blogs on same/similar niches that you submit to directories and such. Then use those to one way link to your more serious blogs to build them. etc. repeat.

I suggest diligence and patience.

Diligence in setting up a posting schedule and sticking to it. While many will disagree frequency is also important.

Patience - it takes time. Work relevant link trades and keep your keywords flowing. Your traffic should increase with each month. If it starts stagnating, work a few more links in or increase the frequency of your posting.

Finally, make sure your RSS feed link is in an obvious place. Since there are still people who don't use readers, I also like to include the option of having my latest updates sent via e-mail.

ya know you could make a bunch of free sites, avs sites and gallerys that promote your blog instead of promoting a sponsor

I usually do one sponsor banner and one link to my blog root per page for tgps and switch between 2 banners and 1 banner + one blog link for free sites.

One of these days I'm gonna apply for a Tommy's TGP account when money loosens up.