8 easy ways to bolster your networking skills

For many people, the mere mention of networking brings on a cold sweat.
Speaking to people you don’t know. Shaking hands. Worrying you’ll be out of your depth. How do you start up a conversation with a stranger, anyway?
It doesn’t matter if you’re a hardcore introvert, socially awkward or just plain shy. If you want to succeed in business, you can—and must—learn to network.
Keep these eight tips in mind as you prepare for your next networking opportunity:
1. R