Meaningful Networking
No matter our fields of education or work, a consistent piece of advice we receive is to network, network and then some more. Of course, this does not resonate with everyone in the same way -- for those of us who are introverted, this feels awkward; for others, it can feel inauthentic; it also seems like one of those things that is easier said than done.
Having personally felt most of these things, especially in my early career, it took me a while to figure out a style of networking which is right for me. This is not the rapid-fire distribution of business cards (or the newer equivalent of connecting via a LinkedIn code). I don’t see the point in networking for the sake of adding more people on LinkedIn (who you won’t recognize six months later).
To know what your style of networking is, you need to first ask yourself why you want to expand your network? Be brutal in your answers: is it because you are looking for a new job? Are you in a new city or sector and want to get to know more people? Do you feel this is something you should be doing? Are you looking for an entrance to someplace? Do you just want to get to know more people professionally?
Be curious
Personally, I have never found a job through what I would call random networking, where my only connection to people is the event happening in the moment. I also think this sort of request is most likely to make people not engage - there is nothing they can do except say no, and when the choice is between no and not responding, many of us choose the later.
What I have gotten is: learning about new kinds of careers and jobs; finding out about fellowships and other opportunities; and making casual acquaintances with some very interesting people. I also find this to be the most authentic path for me because I truly am curious about people’s career paths and how linear/varied they have been. More often than not, people are happy to talk about their own lives (I know I am).
Be wise
You will meet people who you get along with professionally like a house on fire, and yet any effort to keep the conversation going with them does not work. Know when to call your losses and move on. Don’t take it personally; people have their own things going on, it isn't about you. Move on.
Invest and Give
Something that makes me very uncomfortable is offering my network/help to anyone who I see as more advanced in their fields/careers than I am - the impostor syndrome voice inside me tells me I have nothing to offer. There are two counters to this: you never know how you can be of help, if not to the person then someone in their network; and typically generosity begets generosity.
Call to Action
Look at LinkedIn and second-degree connections, ask for one introduction a month. Read up about the person, prepare your questions, and if it goes well, ask them for one introduction.
Identify local professional networks OR cause-based opportunities and see if there is one that interests you.
What other ideas do you have?