[mvkel]

I agree entirely.

I got burned out with the 'tech event' echo chamber a couple years ago and haven't looked back.

I've done exactly what the parent suggests: I find people I'd love to connect with and email them with an idea. My emails, while not a formula go something like this:

- Tell them how I heard about them - Mention something I know about them that I appreciate - Ask them for help on [subject I'd love their feedback on] - Ask if they'd be up for a coffee

The "trick" behind these emails? Be 100% genuine. I have something I want to talk to them about and I'm convinced we'll have a fruitful conversation.

You don't always need to give something back, at least right away, but you'll often discover where you can contribute through natural conversation. Eventually, you'll be the receiver of the same type of email I mentioned above.

Thinking about the missives I've sent, I'd say 8/10 result in a coffee meeting, and a worthwhile connection made.

[alimj]

I think the key to emailing cold is that you have to make it plausible that the other person can get something achieved for you in your connection. If you approach genuinely but don't know what you want out of the connection, then you're making it a risky endeavor for them in giving you their time. (and ain't nobody got time for that)

[laurenstill]

I don't remember where I read it, but ask to interview them, either for your blog, or something else. I've done this a few times with people I considered reach connections. Two years later, they are some of my closest allies.

[mvkel]

Absolutely. In other words, they need to be convinced they'll get something out of the conversation, where "something" is anything from a simple ego boost to advice on something you're really good about that he/she isn't.

[tocomment]

That sounds great. How do you find people you want to connect with though? Browsing on github by location somehow?

[nl]

HN has worked pretty well for me - I've made 2 or 3 interested connections. Helps if you put your email address in your profile though.

Twitter is useful too.

[mvkel]

If you're near any metro area, there's typically a Facebook / LinkedIn / etc. group for the people you're trying to reach. Become a member and start reading.