Being a good networker pays off, but it requires skill as well as shamelessness
"Shameless" really does seem to me the best word to describe the most important aspect of networking. Or at least, the hardest part - once you've read <i>How to Win Friends and Influence People</i>, it's still really tough to approach strangers or ask acquaintances for introductions.<p>Carnegie doesn't teach you how to get over that. The only thing I can think of that might is Theater; acting or improv classes. But I'd be very curious to hear how others have overcome social inhibitions and learned to go for it.