I am a self-confessed networking junkie.  ( I have even written a short book on the subject). I love it so much, and it comes so naturally to me that I often forget how hard it is for others.

Rob May, an engineer by training has written a wonderful post How to Network for Introverts.   What I found interesting in his comments, is his suggestions are very similar to my ground rules:

• Networking is an investment, not a nuisance.
• At first, you have to kiss a lot of frogs.
• Don’t spend too much time on it.
• Do cool things.
• Invite people to lunch.
• Go regularly to things you like.
• Analyze your results.
• Find the key nodes in the network.
• Don’t network just for the sake of networking.

To his comments I would add – Try to find something you can do for the other person.  As Seth Godin often says: Helping other people acheive their goals and you will find them more willing to help you acheive yours!