Some people love networking and some people dread it. For most of my work-life, I dreaded it. Networking made me nervous (and still does, just not as much). The thought of walking into a room full of name-tag-wearing, chatty, successful and smart-looking people I didn’t know made me want to curl up in bed and read a book. The problem was that I had a sales job so networking was part of it. I’ve been to countless fancy events and casual meet-and-greets, and regardless of the venue or group, it was almost always an uncomfortable and intimidating experience for me.  

I tried getting advice from my mentors and colleagues about how to enjoy networking. There had to be a secret sauce that I didn’t know about! But when I asked about it, I’d get one of two responses: “I don’t know, I don’t like it either,” or “Just go talk to people!” So with nothing left to do, I’d arm myself with an elevator speech, put on my best...