When building relationships finding commonality with others is an important strategy to grow your network. Commonality can take many forms with family, School, employer, sports, and hobbies.

One of the most powerful connection points for people is their Alma Mater. Going to college is such a pivotal time in anyone's life that you usually form a strong connection to your school. So chances are they many other Alumni feel the same way. The college experience defines many people's lives while going to school but also sets the path for their life afterwards.

Most major cities have alumni associations for certain universities. If one exists in your city, it is worth exploring because you can continue to support your school but one another. Connecting with other alumni is a powerful way to build up the quality of your network.

Building trust and credibility are important elements of a long-term sustainable relationship. By starting with a deep bond for one's alma mater, you have a good beginning point to build a relationship. As these alumni relationships continue to build, business will start taking place.

Alumni can support one another with clients, strategic relationships, employees, capital, and really any type of scenario. Universities understand the power of keeping their alumni connected to the school, which can also result in a donation back to the school. 

One great example of keeping alumni connected is Alumni Ventures Group, which has developed a network of alumni based funds for a variety of schools. The funds allow alumni to support fellow alumni by providing them a vehicle to invest in their companies through a venture capital fund.

Take the time to connect with other alumni through LinkedIn, your alumni association, sporting events, or a number of other ways. Building up your network with other alumni is an effective way to add powerful allies to your life.