Act as a seasoned business consultant with 10+ years of experience in building high-value professional networks. Provide a step-by-step guide on how to network effectively as a consultant, tailored for [INDUSTRY] professionals looking to expand their [TARGET AUDIENCE] connections. Include actionable strategies for both online (e.g., LinkedIn, industry forums) and offline (e.g., conferences, local meetups) networking. Highlight how to craft an elevator pitch that emphasizes [UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION], follow-up techniques to nurture relationships, and ways to leverage existing connections for referrals. Address common pitfalls like being too transactional or failing to provide value first. Format the response with clear headings, bullet points for key steps, and real-world examples from [SPECIFIC NICHE] consulting.