Harvey Mackay's word on how to get what you want from the world through networking.  

Wells are dug because people need water. If you don’t dig a well, you might find yourself without water. 

Want to network? Invest in building authentic, meaningful and unselfish relationships. https://twitter.com/Tolucomms/status/1337090244332691458

You can’t accomplish really great things alone. Every big thing you really want to accomplish in life, at some level, relies on the people around you. Thus, one important element of making those things happen is to unselfishly build good relationships with lots of people.

There are some things we don't talk about pre/during/after networking.

It's the obsession to get closer to people because you want something from them.
The entitlement mentality.
The premature unsolicitation. https://twitter.com/MomentsWithBren/status/1326067764130406400?s=19

Find ways to help the next person or add meaning to their life or work. 
What professions does that person have synergy with? Who can you introduce them to? How does the person help others? What can you say or do that will help the other person do better in their life or work?

If you show genuine interest in other people, you’ll stand out as a an individual or professional worth knowing. You’ll be memorable for all the right reasons. You might even make a sale in the future!

People do business or offer opportunities with people they know and trust.

Many networkers are guilty of “Premature Solicitation”

“Networking is not about hunting. It is about farming. It’s about cultivating relationships. Don’t engage in ‘premature solicitation.’ You’ll be a better networker if you remember that.”

Some words from Dr. Ivan Misner on Premature Solicitation:

You can’t go right into sales or ask or request mode. Try to use the VCP process: establish visibility and build credibility, before trying to get to profitability (the referral).

People try to jump over visibility and credibility to get to profitability faster. This is premature solicitation, and it happens all the time, especially on social media. 
On LinkedIn, for example, people connect and the next day they’re selling you their products and services.

That’s sales, not networking. You have to have a true connection or have helped someone before you ask for something. People say it never hurts to ask, but they’re wrong. It can hurt if you ask too soon.

Learn to take “the butterfly effect” into consideration.

You don't know who people know, so just connect with someone to build a relationship. Pour a lot of time into the relationships you have already. Reach out to people and ask if they’re okay. Ask if there’s anything you can do to help them.

Humanize your networking.

This reminds me of what I did this past Summer. I volunteered with an organization and they later offered me a paid contract (big moola per hour - I was surprised 'did they make a mistake with the fee? ).

I built trust during volunteering. Now paid contract extended till 2021.

From LinkedIn to signing up to volunteer and then paid contract with correct moola as service fee.

So yes you have to dig your well before you are thirsty.

Invest in building authentic and unselfish connections with people FIRST.

Synergy should be the end goal.