One of the best networking tools I have found is to identify a party or two that you would like to network with and find a way to send them an unsolicited testimonial.
You can point out what you like about a product, service, book or their contribution to society in general.
Most savvy marketing type folks understand the value of testimonials in their marketing and are on the lookout for that at all times. When you punch this button, you may move your networking agenda to the top of the stack. I’m not suggesting that you hand out flattery disingenuously (wow, that was big word wasn’t it), I’m simply saying that if you can honestly take this approach, it may help you get a person’s attention.
It all things, including marketing, tis better to give first if you want to receive. This is a pretty simple way to do it.