[rcoder]

The absolute best way for techies of any stripe to network, IMHO, is through user groups and meetups. Start going to a local programming language users' meeting, Maker/Dorkbot events, etc. -- and participate.

Ask questions, share code, give an unrehearsed five-minute lightning talk, whatever. Just make sure that people have a chance to notice you, and see you doing something interesting. If you make a habit of doing this, you will start developing a professional network, and opportunities will get sent your way.

[patio11]

My father often tells me to fish where the fish are. In this case, fish are people who a) have money and b) are willing to give it to you to fix their problems.

I have not been to an American user group recently but my sense of things is that there are other places where the fish are slightly more plentiful.

(Hint: they tend to hang around each other. Observing one or even asking for an invitation to lunch, etc, is a good way to find them in your locale. Its not too hard: "Hey, boss, I'd like to get to know you better. How about we have lunch together sometime?")

[rcoder]

I think it's better to "fish" for your fellow techies (rather than potential executives) for a couple of reasons:

1. You're likely to learn more (at least about your craft) in casual users' group meetings than you are in a business lunch

2. Good programmers and meetup organizers have a tendency to become the next business cycle's project managers and CIOs, so having a network made up of them is a great way to improve your chances at snagging your next great job

Also, in my experience at least, good managers are usually much more pro-active about getting to know their reports than the reverse. Regardless, it's not a very effective means of expanding your professional network, since your boss already knows you from your work together, and is unlikely to recommend you more or less enthusiastically because you sat down for a club sandwich together.

[iamelgringo]

<shameless_plug> You can always come to Hackers and Founders if you're in the Bay Area. We have a Meetup coming up on the 13th. http://www.hackersandfounders.com/ </shameless_plug>