Networking Question

Hey guys,

I have a question about networking. I apologize if the subject has been beaten to death already, but I am a graduating senior with a FT MM position lined up. I did this all on my own, by networking and pounding pavement and busting doors down. I've built a decent network of alums, but I have realized that there are a few I have not contacted in banking, and that there are a few in PE that I would like to develop a relationship with for next year. I am undecided whether I will pursue a lateral to a BB/elite boutique or go PE, but that's irrelevant.

My basic question is, should I start networking now or should I wait and give it some time? For lateral purposes, I have some good IB contacts at Barclays, MS, GS, MER/BofA, Evercore, etc. that I need to contact. For PE, I have contacts at BX and GS. How should I go about contacting these individuals?

Another question - I found a really good contact through my Alumni Community that is a Senior MD with BX PE. Would it be useful to try and leverage him into a contact for both BX PE and BX M&A? My thought on this is that I am unlikely to get into BX PE from my bank, but if I could lateral into BX M&A (I'd return back to a 1st year), I would be in a great position.

Thanks for any help. I realize this post is borderline incoherent, and I'm asking a bunch of questions, but I appreciate any and all advice.