I really appreciate you taking a step by step approach in your post, Chad. This is so often needed. Many times people are told "be known for who you are" or "start a blog" and there's no playbook and how to get that done. Or, the playbook is too huge and overwhelming they feel like it's too huge a mountain to conquer. Kudos to you for breaking it down - while it's FRESH in your mind. I believe those are the most valuable "how to" lists - the ones that come from the most recent to climb.

Thanks so much for the tip on Ninjafollow and for the listing of some great minds. My follow list was not nearly as complete as yours - thanks!

Anthony,
I have to admit -when I first read this post I had to think about it for some time. It does go "against the grain" of what is out on the shelf of every bookstore and almost every blog you find on networking.
I had to marinate over it and then thought, "do I really want to follow up with people who don't want to stay connected with me"? We've all been to networking events where people are just human card collectors - even garnering cards off of tables so that they can leave the event with a fistful of cards and feel victorious!
Then we get that horribly, non-personal note, email or letter that says "So, good to meet you at this event. Let's get together soon." I've received those and wondered, who is this?!
In fact, I was NOT at an event once but a colleague of mine had put my business cards on her table displaying her books and someone must of picked it up and I received a letter that stated "darn glad to meet you" yet I wasn't even there!
Do we really need to send a thank you note to someone who we just met at an event but didn't give us a business card? I think it's a personal decision for each of us - depending on our strategy and style. Yet, I certainly see great value if someone makes it a point to give you there card after conversation.
Does that mean you follow up with everyone who has given you a card? For me, that's a 'no'. I've been at too many events where there are people who are dealing out their business cards like they're a dealer in Vegas. There's no conversation, nothing at all - they just deal out their cards and hit the next group of people gathered.
What I liked most about what Jun said is, have the conversation and if they offer you their card there is a desire that they want to continue the connection with you.

Scott is one of my favorite people in the whole world! He's such a dynamic person who is passionate about making sure people are getting noticed in a positive way. He speaks about creating a philosophy card which is really an eye-catcher and conversation starter. And, I really appreciate his thoughts to be someone to "stumble upon, obsess over, fall in love with, be addicted to and tell friends about." What an amazing brand he is!

I'm so glad you did this interview and the focus on what is publicly out there that can be easily found by admission officers. I have nieces and nephews going to college and this interview if filled with some practical tips!