What are your tactics for making new connections online?

So many of us are hustling trying to get projects and ideas off the ground. We spend a lot of time contacting folks we don't know -- they may be potential advisors, customers, investors. I'm curious to hear what your best tactics are for making new connections online. One thing I like to do before approaching someone I don't know is spend time observing their behaviour on social media and understanding their interests, passions and projects. I'll try to create a compelling offer that I can couple with my ask. What are your tactics?