I can't recall the article but it had the most epiphanic advice about networking — network with your work. When you are doing great work — blogging, building, or making side-projects — networking is almost a by-product. People get to know you from Forums, Github, and communities, already being ecstatic about meeting you.

I am a bit indifferent towards 'deliberate networking'. The problem with it is that you are often end-up cultivating weak-ties — people who 'just' know you. Personally, I emphasise on having, even if limited, strong ties with people whom you can relate to.

I don't have a strong network, but the best people I have met is invariably by happenstance. So I don't think any networking advice should go beyond — a) doing awesome work and b) learning to do small-talk.