You could then explain your situation to the person who answers, and ask for a referral to someone who would take a few minutes to speak with you. Most people are eager to help others, and it is easy to develop a network of new contacts. You can expand your business network by dining in restaurants patronized by those in your field, or attending seminars, parties and supplier meetings. Anything you can do to gain visibility will result in easier initiation of new contacts. Taking an active role in community affairs, politics and service clubs, along with speaking at seminars and trade associations, will serve as a means of accomplishing the same end.
Trade shows can be an efficient medium for developing contacts.
In one location you usually have dozens of people assembled, and all of them are there because they want to talk to people. One imaginative sales manager visited each major hotel where conventioneers were staying. He met dozens of people in both hotel lobbies and hospitality suites. As it turned out, the informal atmosphere paved the way for his development of contacts with those who could help him. Within days he had lined up all the interviews he needed.