Go for Long-Haul Connections
Aim for long-term relationships. Avoid the transactional ones. Build a network of professionals whom you help now. In turn, they will help you down the road.
Don’t try to be everybody’s friend.
No one told you to set yourself ablaze to keep others warm. Slow down. Find a select few contacts who truly have something in common with you.
Map out your connections.
Make a list of people you want in your camp. It could be a gold-star list of individuals or a short description of ideal associates. Either way, make a list. Consider what you have in common? Connections, mutual interests, perhaps?
Do your research.
Search the internet and talk to people in the know. Keep notes. Approach prospects at the right time. Better yet, have someone already in your network make the introduction on your behalf.
