You get nothing for nothing. Favoring favor from people you don't know won't happen. Be ready don't waste others time. Take notes and accept guidance when meeting with people who are more successful than you. Ask people you meet with if they think it was a good use of their time. Only ask for referrals if they think so. Don't come with a hunter mind set, always be about giving first. Always introduce colleagues to someone who knows you and it is the golden words you speak about other person that will stick, maybe not right away, it'll stick and when time comes to return the favour, that same person will refer you with confidence with a BAG FULL OF REFERRALS Always have a good conversation with new people during a conference. You have 20 seconds to introduce yourself and in that time leave a mark of your personality. And when the meeting or conference is done those well spoken words will attract his attention when he meets you twice, maybe later. Always looking smartly dressed as first impression is the last impression.