Completely agree regarding the reaching out in person vs. digitally. If you can make an impact in-person be it over lunch or at a networking event, it will put you head and shoulders over someone who is trying to get their attention via email.
While networking, my bible is Dale Carnegie's "How to win friends and influence people." Even taking a bit of a more longterm view than the next person will pay off (not asking them immediately to do something for you, but asking in two weeks after you've met, exchanged emails, and started to build a relationship).
This is a crude analogy, but approach building a business relationship like dating. It happens over time. You stand out from everyone else by building a genuine connection, not by talking about what you want.
I also find that being genuinely kind and giving will make you stand out. Most people are takers. When this one big publication interviewed me and linked to my blog, the woman said one of the big reasons she reached out is that I appeared to be approachable and passionate.
Finally, you are likely to have other endeavors after Kickstarter. If you can form a relationship with fans/backers/supporters rather than make it about a one-time transaction, then they will be more likely to be receptive to a new project or venture you might have a year down the road.
Some LinkedIn Tips:
http://www.crowdcrux.com/5-linkedin-tip ... -campaign/Email tips:
http://www.crowdcrux.com/how-to-get-hig ... ur-emails/