[dpiers]

I've heard people say "Make friends, not contacts.", but I don't think it's entirely true.

Yes, the most meaningful connections will not be the hundreds/thousands of people you meet at networking events, but there is still some value in having lots of short interactions and making a lasting impression.

There are people I only met once at a conference years ago, but if I talk to them again today they'll remember me. They might not remember anything beyond my name and that I was a decent guy, but that is still infinitely better than being a complete unknown.