Something that might be able to help your offsite SEO efforts is Directory Submission.
There are a few pay-to-play website directories that carry clout with Google.
While I do not think taking time to submit your site to directories is horrible, my experience shows me that this is not a great use of your time (if you do this yourself) or money (if you pay someone else to do this), especially for the free ones.
There are MANY free directories that will let you leave YOUR link on their Directory Website for free (or a small fee).
What is the harm? Free is glee, right?