I think the biggest mistake people make is not "building their brand." Create a presence online, create one in meatspace and get known as someone worth knowing.
For reference, I took some time off and wrote a book on a technical subject, created two big meetups and got hooked in with the local startup community. Now I go to local events and people are starting to actively seek me out.
For reference, I took some time off and wrote a book on a technical subject, created two big meetups and got hooked in with the local startup community. Now I go to local events and people are starting to actively seek me out.