What networking advice do you have for technology leaders?

I agree with Mel: it all starts with what you can do for others. Not what they can do for you. This is necessary to build a relationship. And once you’ve done that, opportunities to help you will be presented.

I try to end all conversations with “What do you need? How can I help you?”

I coach some IT executives and other folks, and I tell them not to ask for anything when they make a connection. Never ask for a single thing until the third or fourth conversation. You can allude to something that you need, like resources. But push that aside because otherwise it becomes a dynamic where you’re only reaching out when you need something. 

The mantra that I live by now is: How can I help you? I tell everyone to close their emails and chats with that question. That is the only way that us — as people, as a society, as professionals — will be able to advance. You have to be able to pay it forward no matter how much money you’re making.