1. Most of the people in your network are your colleagues from past jobs.
2. You haven't tried and didn't want to meet new people (like this).
3. You have never done anyone a favor or helped anyone. No one owes you anything.
4. Do you remember the emails that you ignored and forgot? Believe me, "they" have not forgotten.
5. No one knows what actually you did at your job and what exactly your positions mean.
The simple answer is : meet people who can help you in the next 6 months, not those from whom you need immediate help. As Wayne Gretzky said, "Run to where the puck will be, not where it is now."
1. Don't drink coffee alone, ever. If you can't meet in the morning, do it at lunch.
2. Meet different people, don't limit yourself to your industry.
3. Reply to all emails that are stuck in your Inbox. Offer your help yourself.
4. Refresh your connections with people you haven't seen for a long time.
5. Be consistent. Do this daily. The fact is that it's a bit tedious, but it's worth every second spent on such networking.