How do I build a network?

So networking is my favorite thing to do in life! But I know that everyone doesn't share my feelings. Thus, I thought I would break down some of the myths to enable people to feel better about what I consider to be one of the most important skills to have.
Myth #1
A network can only be made if you have BIG connections with important people.

FALSE!!!!!!!!! First of all everyone is important in a network because you yourself may not be connected to the person that you really want to talk to but a person in your network may be. Therefore everyone you know is a part of your network, even your grandma! Which means that you're born into a network, and all you have to do is add on to it.

Myth #2
You have to have a certain type of personality to build a network.

This is totally untrue. I don't think that because you may be somewhat of an introvert, you won't ever be able to build your network. What really matters is your attitude. This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting a shy Counselor. AN oxymoron right! Well I thought so initially, and then I realized that she never let her shyness get in the way of dreams. I think the same goes for network building. If you keep your eye on the prize you will always have success.

Myth #3
You must be strategic about your networking

I always get a little afraid of the work strategic because to me that means you're going to separate the people that you should from the ones that you shouldn't, which I disagree with. You never know how people are connected, and just because I may not be looking for a job at a specific company, maybe the person at said company has moved from another company that I may be interested in. You have no idea what the future will hold and I think being too strategic about your network hurts you. However, I do agree that you don't want to go to a Career Fair and talk to every company there because that's not using your time wisely. You do want to visit the places that interest you the most, but don't be afraid to get contact information from everyone you meet.

These pointers really help me and I hope they destroy some of the lies that people spread around about networking!