A few general link building tips:

build conceptually unique linkworthy high quality content
create viral marketing ideas that want to spread and make people talk about you
mix your anchor text
get deep links
try to build at least a few quality links before actively obtaining any low quality links
register your site in relevant high quality directories such as DMOZ, the Yahoo! Directory, and Business.com
when possible try to focus your efforts mainly on getting high quality editorial links
create link bait
try to get bloggers to mention you on their blogs
It takes a while to catch up with the competition, but if you work at it long enough and hard enough eventually you can enjoy a self-reinforcing market position.