I did mention that my posting schedule would be unpredictable at best right?

You'll probably see me point this out again in the course of these posts, but brevity is a virtue, and Keith Ferrazzi seems to understand this. I believe my 11th grade social studies teacher put it best, "Keep answers like miniskirts; short to keep it interesting, but long enough to cover the subject."

The chapter is short, but an important point is made; there is no point in making a connection if that connection has no value. That value of course, is the benefit derived from the contact. It could be as insignificant as just knowing a person you like because they are interesting and you like them, or as earth shattering as being the connection for your next big break for your business.

Kieth points out that when one mentions networkers, the image that springs to the minds of most people is a guy in a suit handing out cards, always looking for the bigger fish to fry. This is one of the most ineffective ways to network, because even though you may end up with a bunch of names, none of them mean anything because there was no meaningful connection. If any of them do remember who you are at the end of the day, then it will almost certainly be with a negative connotation.

It is preferable by far to spend the better part of an hour long social event making a real connection with a few people than making a lot of weak, probably bad connections with many people. It's really not hard to make a good connection with a person, all it takes is some effort at being a decent human being. Be honest about who you are, what you need, share your goals when and where appropriate, and listen to what others have to say. It's so simple, I almost hate to just come right out and say it, but to have a valuable network, you need to convince your network of your value to them, and that's what you are doing when you treat people like people.