I've worked with many people over the years. A bunch of product people have struck out to make their own thing now that they can get a feedback loop going. I just keep in touch with people. They know my services are available, so if they have a need they reach out.

The greatest asset in this type of work is genuinely liking people, being good at what you do, and keeping in touch. My email is easily findable for a reason.

So, there is no secret sauce? Just work for people and have a hand at their contact info?

The one part I do wonder is how to "keep in touch". Maybe it's a generational thing as a young millennial (some would call it "Zillenial") but the biggest issue in my networking over the year (cough and the dating scene cough) is ghosting. You think you hit it off, try to follow up the day after, and proceed to never again hear from them.