We asked an 886 partner this question:
The best time to network is when you don't actually want anything from someone (you are not trying to pitch them). It's almost always best to meet people under some other context where you don't have any objective. The best way to grow your network is to offer your network to other people. Connecting someone to someone else where they both benefit from the introduction makes your own network stronger and increases the chance you can grow it as well. The secret to networking is to primarily give, not take. But you have to do so with discretion too — never make an introduction that won't benefit both parties involved.
