Ninety percent of the people in any group are nice, raised to be polite, and have more in common than not.
It's not what you know or who you know, but who knows you.
Be yourself' is good advice, unless you notice that people are always excusing themselves and moving away from you. In that case, try being someone else!
Networking is an enrichment program, not an entitlement program.
Respect for people is the cornerstone of communication and networking.
The time spent identifying your base of contacts is an investment in your success and the success of others with whom you share your resources.