For real life networking, you'd be surprised where and when you can. First, yes, get some business cards. Second, have them ready to hand out at all times (I carry a few in my wallet). Third, be willing to talk about your writing efforts when asked.
For example. Today at Toastmasters we had a guest, who is a non-traditional student, clerk at a local retail store, a few other odd jobs, and a (wait for it)......writer. Yep, he instantly received one of mine and JenNipps' cards. We also had an improptu writing meeting after the Toastmasters. He knows a couple of local editors, some I'm wanting to connect with, and Jen and I know some people and info he's hungry for. So, yeah we networked. I even try to strike up conversations with people when I'm in line and talk to them about my blog and (as yet unpublished book).
No, I'm not naturally outgoing, regardless of how it looks here at AW. I practice Jen's "fake it till I make it" philosophy, take a deep breath and start a conversation about something else and just winds it's way over to my writing. I'm not sure how much it helps, but you never know who will be the person you need to talk to.
Basically we need to network all the time. Whenever and wherever we are. Here's another idea I've never tried, and might not work as well today with people paying bills online, but maybe someone can use it. When you send a check to pay a bill include your business card that states what kind of writing you do. You don't know who's desk that card may land on, and if they're looking for a writer for some reason. Like I said, never tried it, but it sounds like a good idea.
Oh gosh, my brain is so fried, I've really rambled here. Hope someone can glean some nugget of help out of this mess.