> Actually networking requires building real relationships with people.

Yes! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply that letting folks know you exist was sufficient; it is only necessary.

I find a cheat code to building relationships with people is to give first. I love to ask "how can I help" when I meet someone at a conference or networking event. This does a few things:

* separates you from so many other people who go to these events looking to be transactional

* shows you can follow through (when you actually do help them) which, somewhat shockingly, distinguishes you from many other folks

* filters folks that might not be a fit for a deep relationship because you move in different worlds; if someone asks "well, I am looking for a major piece of real estate to buy", I as a software developer am unlikely to be able to help them

This is a long play though, to be sure.