Networking from small ultra non target

Hi all, 

I a a sophomore at a small non target and need some advice on networking. I have connected with all the alumni in banking from my school and need to expand my network. How should I craft emails to people with little similarities to me. Should I leverage same hometown, high school etc? (A lot of people from my hometown and the town next to mine are in IB.) I know I will have a very low response rate although what is the best way to network like crazy from a non target? Also what is the networking timeline like? Should I immediately ask for a phone call? what are the steps in the networking process? Thanks!