[aantix]

You have to ask yourself; what's the purpose of this network? Is it to have a group of like-minded engineers so that if you lose your job you can get first hand referrals for a new job? Are you looking to establish yourself as a consultant? Are you looking to meet higher level executives in hopes of becoming them one day?

Whatever the case, if you email them with an shallow request of "looks like you're doing cool things let's get coffee", your request will probably be ignored. Everyone is busy, there's no time for random coffee with a stranger.

But if you can ask a very specific question regarding their work, you'll pique their interest. Offer to teach them something in return, now you're on the path to a mutually beneficial professional relationship.

Don't send out the same message to different people. Do the hard work; research each person's background, send an email specific to their likes/interests. Be strategic when making a request from someone and if you can offer something in return, even better.

I'm really good at writing these types of emails. Drop me an email at [e-mail] if there's something you want me to review.

Good luck!

[vram22]

What do you mean by "Be strategic" here?

[gumby]

Figure out what you want to accomplish long term before initiating contact.

And tactically: figure out how you can make meeting you of value to the other person, what you want to accomplish (result) and do in that meeting. Basically: do your homework.