1) Decide what this peer has to offer.  Better connectivity to high profile direct connects?  Maybe to solve existing connectivity problems?

2)  Announce your peering policies.  Make sure everyone knows about your intentions straight off.  Don't be caught with your trousers down about favoritism issues.  Some peering co-ordinators wish their peers to have prior peers, or connectivity., although, most peers now fear BGP problems, and resort ot Mac-Based filtering at public points, or resort to only private interconnects.

3)  Make sure that, whatever you do, you protect yourself.  Access lists, filters and selective peering partners will assure that you remain active and lively in your peering.

4)  Whn terminating a peer sometimes a Denial of Service will be needed.  Sure, he may have his needs, but without a current peering contract, he is SOL.    Be all you can be, girl!

5)  Avoid Internal peers.  Speaking an IGP such as OSPF or ISIS is fine, but the second he gives you an peering request, confront him.  Don't let it get to the point of him defaulting onto you, or mailbombing your person with requests.  Make this VERY clear in your policies.  NO EGRP WITHIN THE SAME ASN!  It is the recipe for an HR moment.

6)  Make sure you stay an attractive peer.  Make sure you always have a reason why you are a good peering partner for those big guys.

7)  Avoid public interconnects.  Remember, you are who you peer with.  Peering with a bunch of losers that can't afford private interconnects is asking for trouble.  Making sure your mac filters are in place and up to date, dealing with strange equipment and routing bugs.  No one needs that.  stay away from it.

Following these guidelines should keep you full of peering requests and maybe someday, with some luck, you will find that true peer, and share the same ASN after a merger.