We know that developing our professional networks, consciously, deliberately, strategically, is important for us as individuals, for our personal development, our professional development, for our career development.

Consciously develop the communication skills that you need. The more you practice it, the easier and more convincing that it gets.

If you're consciously going to a networking meeting, practice delivering the message that you want. When you're able to articulate the information that you want, the connections that you want to make, that people will be able to help you.

Feeling anxious doesn't stop you make a good impression if you manage it well. Avoiding the situation will make the anxiety worse.

The thing about networking is that if you fail to plan then you plan to fail. Some of these things that look natural, actually take a lot of practice. So have a plan. Follow through on that plan. Review and revise what you've learned and then get better at it.