How do you build a real network in this day and age?

Most of my "real" network (people who I can consistently rely on) was built through mutual friends, family of friends, personal intros, dinners, or even just random happen stance during my day-to-day. In this day and age where almost everything is is zoom and phone calls, how can you build a reliable network?

I've found that the networking I've done with a firm handshake and a conversation over lunch in the village garners way stronger relationships than simple phone, email, and zoom, even if the time I spent was the same. Am I just bad at networking on the phone? What can I do to become better and familiarize myself with people in general? I always love talking and meeting new people, but just feel like I'm missing something.

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