Worst:  Smalltalk&#x2F;networking.  I&#x27;m pretty social (perhaps now), but it took a lot (attending conferences, 2 years+, once per month) to feel comfortable approaching and talking to strangers - and the crazy thing was I was in a buy-side position, not sell-side, so I was waiting for others to strike a conversation.  Now, 10 years later after getting over the hump, it is much easier.  The biggest thing for me was getting comfortable talking to a couple of really genuine sales people.  And genuine meant getting to know them very gradually over these 2+ years.<p>1.  If a conference organiser, it&#x27;s really useful to not just put people in a room with canapes and drinks for a &#x27;networking session&#x27; but to actually plan something that can connect people.  An event where people can create meaningful conversation, not have flippant conversation.<p>2.  If a participant, read-up by listening to some excellent podcasts by manager-tools.com - they cover tips in a far better way than I could do in a quick HN post (it&#x27;s free, with a vast range of content, not just for managers).