My perspective is to stop "networking" (unless you are in sales/bd) and develop friendships instead.
Meet friends of friends at dinner parties, house parties, birthdays, baby showers, game nights, etc. I used to host poker nights, board game nights and chess nights where I'd invite people from different friend circles so they could get to know each other, and they could in turn bring their own friends.
For people more senior than you, seek to be in their company when their guard is down (i.e. they are not in "work mode"). Activity groups tend to facilitate this.
From time to time you can just start talking to someone cold (I guess it's kind of like making a move on a member of the opposite gender at a bar/cafe). I met one of my good friends and a great programmer because we were sitting next to each other at the bar seats at a brunch joint, and I struck up a conversation with him about the book he was reading (Wealth of Nations). That was 3 years ago and we still meet up on a monthly basis to talk about anything from our careers to philosophy.
Say "yes" to all invitations (but don't go to "networking events"!). Make yourself available. Just generally be around people.
But know yourself -- don't go to places that you don't like (for me, that's bars!), or force yourself to interact people who you just don't get along with. Being more effective and energized and excited to talk to 10% of the population beats being blase about trying to interact with 100% of the population, any day.
This advice does seem to depend on OP having a pre-existing social network which has people in the industry. Depending on OP's background, that might not be the case.
For years I've networked with people without meetups or industry conferences.
Some of these people are alumni from my university. Others are colleagues of my acquaintances. And more are just people from companies I want to learn more about who I have no connection to.
My process is basically to find people who work at companies I'm interested in, find their email, and then reach out to them. The more in common you have with the person, the better it will work.
Below is an example email I send to setup a coffee meeting with someone. Feel free to use it as a template, just remove the text in brackets or you're going to send an awkward email :)
Hi [name],
My name is [full name], an Associate at XYZ Corporation. I came across your name from the State University’s alumni website. [Say who you are and how you found out who she is.]
I’d love to get your career advice for 15 minutes. I am considering switching companies, but before making the jump I’d like to talk to someone who has worked at many of the best firms in the industry. Your LinkedIn profile says that you have a lot of experience at these leading firms. [Let her know early on what you’d like, in this case a quick talk for advice. Then let her know why you specifically want her advice instead of someone else’s advice.]
Would it be possible for us to meet? You could provide a lot of insight about the firms in the industry and what to watch out for while switching companies. It would also be great to hear about your career path after State University. [Make a direct ask for a meeting. Then say something complimentary and remind her about your shared connection.]
I can meet you for coffee, call you on the phone, or come by your office. I can work around your schedule. Would it be possible for us to meet? [Work around her schedule and location. You are asking for her help so make it convenient for her. End with a yes or no question so it’s easy for her to reply with a yes response.]
In Shanghai, China, there's been an emerging trend towards industry focused Toastmasters Clubs. Well worth looking into in your area. This is a great way to leverage your time since you can derive so much professional/personal development besides making more like-minded friends. You can expect better leadership, public speaking, and evaluation skills to name a few. I served as an officer of a community club (mixed membership), am currently an active participant, and act as a city-wide club coach supporting clubs which need stronger growth. Great community to be a part of.
Teaching people what you are good with is one of the best way to connect with others. You get the respect and also help others. Make a list of 10 things you are good at and teach the top 3.
Also Try http://LetsLunch.com to setup lunches with entrepreneurs.
Disclaimer : i'm the founder.
There are some professional associations out there for those in tech. Some have local chapters with networking and decent speakers, but it depends on where you live.
Meet friends of friends at dinner parties, house parties, birthdays, baby showers, game nights, etc. I used to host poker nights, board game nights and chess nights where I'd invite people from different friend circles so they could get to know each other, and they could in turn bring their own friends.
For people more senior than you, seek to be in their company when their guard is down (i.e. they are not in "work mode"). Activity groups tend to facilitate this.
From time to time you can just start talking to someone cold (I guess it's kind of like making a move on a member of the opposite gender at a bar/cafe). I met one of my good friends and a great programmer because we were sitting next to each other at the bar seats at a brunch joint, and I struck up a conversation with him about the book he was reading (Wealth of Nations). That was 3 years ago and we still meet up on a monthly basis to talk about anything from our careers to philosophy.
Say "yes" to all invitations (but don't go to "networking events"!). Make yourself available. Just generally be around people.
But know yourself -- don't go to places that you don't like (for me, that's bars!), or force yourself to interact people who you just don't get along with. Being more effective and energized and excited to talk to 10% of the population beats being blase about trying to interact with 100% of the population, any day.