Practice In Shallow Water

Very few fisherman go straight out to the deep sea and cast a line for the tune, sharks and other big fish. Most of them have learned the basic skills by fishing in the shallows, for smaller fish.

The same principle applies well to making connections with people. Start 'small' with local people. I don't mean 'ordinary' people any offence here, by the way, but it is easier to engage the local hardware store owner in conversation, than the President of Toyota. it takes a lot less courage too! Practice on these 'little fish'. You may be pleasantly surprised - the little old lady at the 'Homebaked for Children' store might not merely be a pleasant person, she may be the mother of the President of Toyota!