Regarding your point about being "generally pretty fun to be around", does it come naturally or has it been a conscious effort? I'm still in college and have been slowly realizing the deep importance of this quality (or maybe skill?). Having met quite a few people who are, as you described, generally fun to be around, I also realized that unfortunately I'm not one of those people. Do you have any advice on getting better at that?
I'm definitely outgoing- I have no problem making myself the butt of a joke to get the laugh, but at the same time I'm not so outgoing that I'm one of those guys who could go on a trip by himself and make five new best friends. Nor would I just go to an event and meet like 10 people and go to dinner with them that night.
I'd consider myself normal outgoing and I think, at least in a work environment, it is my self confidence that alows this. I know my input won't always be right, but it will be way more often than not- even then it will probably still have value. So I throw out my ideas in meetings where it's appropriate. I iterate on others ideas with them, that type of thing.
I would ask those around me what they thought of an approach- not because I was worried mine was wrong, because maybe they'd have a fresh take and could help tweak it for the better. This warms them up to collaborate. They will likely start doing the same to you, then you'll both come to a mutual respect for where each other's strengths and weaknesses may lie, but you've formed a bond of comraderie that should keep you well regarded. It's important that most of the time when you're asking for input that you've got the problem nearly licked- no one wants to work with the guy always asking how to do his job.
Those are the main ways I've built strong relationships in the office. I say hi to people as I pass buy, grab the odd coffee with whoever, and chat about sports (I happen to root for all of the rival teams up here, so that breeds a lot of conversation).
That's it- my secret is that I just behave like an okay guy most of the time and I don't stay silent and keep my eyes to the floor.