Originally Posted by
BoilerUP
I personally find networking for networking's sake to be hollow and extremely transparent.
I have found an exchange of information, common background, or common interests seem to provide stronger friendships and professional contacts and doesn't give both parties the feeling like the professional relationship exists solely in a transactional way to further the job prospects of one or both parties.
Dead on. Make FRIENDS. Not networking acquaintances. Meeting crews and exchanging information is just the first step.
Join various discussion websites. APF, PPW, LinkedIn, etc. see if there are others on these forums that live near you. See if anybody wants to meetmformdrinks- not to job hunt, but to talk about aviation or other passions. Host overnighting crews at your house for lunch or dinner, or meet up with other crews while on the road. Personally, I've found PPW to be a great resource in meeting other pilots. Many members post where they live or are overnighting.
A name and a phone number on a piece of paper are worthless in most cases. It's what you do with that name and number after you have it that counts. If I endorse somebody for a job, I want to know who they are, beyond simple phone conversations that Ho along the lines of "Hey, are you guys hiring? Would you mind looking at my résumé or Can I keep in touch?"