With the benefits of today's social media tools, you can not only connect to someone before actually meeting them in person, but also find other people who work in the same industry as you. Specifically, social media can help you identify and learn about key industry influencers, start a conversation with them, and prepare for your first meeting. It acts as a great first introduction and allows you to expand your network quickly and easily. So, make sure to update your LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or other social media channels regularly.