So you want to use networking to your advantage as a means to helping yourself.
The trick to doing so may surprise you:

Help them first, ask for nothing in return.

It’s true! If you want to make solid relationships and build on those relationships, you have to start with the other guy. Listen to him, give him your ideas for his business (for free) and work zero angles for yourself. Be honest and sincere. Help him and I promise he’ll end up helping you 90% of the time.

Stop being so damn selfish. Its not all about you. Its about how you can help others. Help them succeed and they’ll want to help you succeed. Win-win is better than win-lose. Start with making HIM a winner, your win will follow.