Creating a network by following others is important. However, don't follow just anyone, or your feed will be full of content you don't really want to read. Then, you won't have an opportunity to leave good comments and get more followers. I follow anyone who follows me, and also those whose posts interest me. If I see someone I follow hasn't posted in months, or if their posts become about things that aren't interesting to me, I may un-follow. It's all about selective and strategic following. I also engage with other Steemians on Steem Chat. It's a good way to get to know people and make friends. Friends love to upvote and comment on other friends' posts. :)