Networking, like any form of marketing, works best when you take a long-term approach.

With that in mind, organise one lunch per week with somebody you don’t know, and enter these lunches without any expectations.

Don’t try to turn these people into clients. Don’t ask them for a job. Don’t press them for favours.

Just focus on building the relationship. Afterwards, make a point of nurturing the relationship.

At some point, in the months or years ahead, when these people realise you care, they might naturally turn into clients, advocates or referral partners.