For starters I've already noticed a couple users looking for jobs and/or trying to find clients in the Echo Lounge. You should and a Job and Barter forum to round those requests in one designated place.
Secondly I’d suggest you separate General Chat (Echo Lounge) and make an introductions forum especially for that. I’ve moderated on several other boards over the years and have noticed that the General Chat sections fills up pretty darn quick often leaving new members slipping through the cracks.
Just my 2 cents