A networking approach and a pick up are similar arts. In both cases, the sleaze ball who only wants one thing goes straight for the goal, makes everyone uncomfortable, and generally gives their kind a bad name.

I find it most effective to approach a networking situation by wondering what I have to offer, not what I can take. If I do enough for others, I know it will come back around eventually. It also makes for much more pleasant conversation when people doing think I’m a predator trying to figure out how to eat them.