It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Who’s heard that refrain before? (Everyone? Thought so.)
Let’s set aside arguments to the contrary and assume it really is about who you know. How do you get to know people then, specifically the right kind of people? The kind of people that will help you get what you want in life.
You could try being born to the right parents. The right parents will know the right people, and you’ll know the right people by extension. But, maybe you’re like me and chose the wrong parents. Don’t get me wrong, they’re great people. They just don’t know (m)any movers and shakers.
Thus, we conclude that we have to go out and make these connections ourselves through a process known as “networking”. Many people have a faulty perception that networking is a formal activity. They think that networking has to happen (and only happens) at events specifically designed for the purpose. You know, the ones with the word “Networking” in the event title.
You can certainly make valuable connections at networking events, especially industry events with a barrier to entry. However, the problem with this mindset is that it’s limiting. There’s a finite amount of networking events you could possibly attend. And thinking that connections are only made at these events will cause you to miss the plentiful opportunities in your daily life.

Instead of “networking”, meet people. Meet them at parties, meet them at church, or meet them at Saturday afternoon soccer. A lady I met at a college party led to a few years of shadowing celebrities on the red carpet and managing security at large events. A strangers’ conversation I inserted myself into at a bar resulted in an invitation to a private member’s gym. And a serendipitous lunch during my second internship led me to where I am today.
Get to know them, let them get to know you, build rapport, and other normal human stuff. While you’re doing that, keep an eye out for compatibility and opportunities for mutual benefit. That’s all networking is and it’s something you can (and should) do at any time.