1. Make your presence noticeable.

You have to make sure people know what you are doing and what you have in the works — otherwise nobody will ever know. Keep in touch with your professional contacts via email, social media and face-to-face meetings. When you maintain contact you remain on their radar, which can result in them name-dropping you to their contacts. A simple, “Oh, I actually know somebody you should contact” can occur simply because you kept your presence noticeable.

2. Attend networking events.

Every industry has conferences and trade shows that provide great networking opportunities. There are also local meet-ups and local organizations that hold regular events that are great for building your network. (Of course if you’re here you know that! Because TechFace is one them. Well done for being here!)

3. Hang out at the same places the people you want to connect with hang out.

This applies to both online and offline — LikedIn groups are a great place to connect. If you want to connect with a certain group online then participate and introduce yourself. Offline this could be a particular lunch spot or a happy hour bar after work. Frequent the places that the people you want to connect with can be found at. Be friendly and social and you will make new connections.

Excerpt from an article by Jonathan Long.