Life gives you windows of opportunities, make use of them while you can. Since no one has anything to gain by doing work for you, it requires you having to remind them a lot. This is pretty much the first step anyone does, and is the standard cultural way of operating. The second step expands upon the first by actively networking. Attending various functions where you know others of your kind are going to be.
Friend get togethers, community functions, and especially weddings.
Step three requires taking it to the next level, and that's using the internet. You can try steps 1 through 3, but over time if they're not panning out you have to do what it takes. This internet method is such a new way of doing things, that it's difficult for many to accept. But it's really no different then someone going up to you and describing some potential mates that you might be interested in. In this case, you're removing the unreliable middle man and being more pro-active in your search.