I’ve found that the best possible thing you can do is make yourself available to friends and colleagues. When they talk about ideas, listen, give feedback, and keep their secrets. When they introduce you to someone, follow up. When you have the opportunity to meet up for drinks, do it. Keep in contact with good people and be willing to refer work around and/or give introductions to friends with common goals/interests.

It all seems like such little stuff… but when you become known as a somewhat clueful guy willing to kick around ideas for/with friends, great things will come your way.