As I spend more time and focus on networking activity, I find it paying offer much better.  I'm better able to select the organizations and events I attend and I'm more discerning about who I develop relationships with.  I believe tech connections will only take you so far.  Without more personal interaction, it's tough, sometimes, to really evaluate who you are dealing with.

If you have a reputation for helping other people get what they want, face to face networking with always pay out.