Comment by erikb

For me this kind of micro optimization never worked but in the most advanced skill areas I have (e.g. vim hotkeys).

For everything people related for me the very simple approach worked best: - find a topic where you can see the other person getting a profit for their problems/career as well - start discussing that topic with them - if you hit it off, stay in contact - if you don't hit it off, try to reduce contact as much as possible

And then work hard and try not to be a dick, but be a dick to people who want to exploit you. If someone worthy gets a bad impression because you self-defence he will come around when he sees you in action more.