Friends > Networks

Your network shouldn't be full of "people in high places you hate but can hook you up," it should be full of people who are willing to really, genuinely lend you a hand or take a risk for you. 

Make Friends At Work and With People Who Do What You Do

• Get involved in hiring at your company. 
• Attend those crappy after-work events. 
• Make those crappy work events better. 
• Get involved in a professional organization or society. 
• Offer your help when you can give it. 

Stay in Touch with People, Genuinely

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-skip-the-sleaze-and-build-a-real-professional-ne-510256651