Until recently, I never realized just how valuable networking could be. In the past, shyness has prevented me from making the most of face-to-face encounters with people who could become valuable friends, colleagues, clients or mentors.

Now that I'm the new kid in town (again!), I wanted to approach things differently.  Guess what? It's true that making an effort to meet people at networking events, gatherings and conferences really makes a difference.  The most successful people already know this...

Why not just pursue social networking?