Ditch networking. Just focus on building 2-3 solid working relationships every year. You don’t have to do anything special – just work hard, be nice, care and be yourself. That’s the real strength of a network – it’s not about the 100 but about the 2 or 3 who really care.
That doesn’t mean the 100 do not matter. Stay in touch and add value to the 100 but don’t do it to ‘network’. Do it because you would like to add value to them. And if you can’t “reach” them by adding value to them, then work hard on building a reputation that does. Networking assumes that all that matters is getting your name out and having connections everywhere.
It missed an important fact – it’s never about who you know, it’s all about who knows you..well enough to vouch for you.
A Learning a Day 