Attending gatherings where you feel comfortable helps you put your best foot forward, says Debra Feldman, an executive talent agent and job search expert. "Avoid situations where you might be stressed, rushed or distracted from your networking mission," she adds.

If you do find yourself in a room full of strangers at a technology conference or party, Ferrazzi recommends going straight to the stuff that interests you. "When you talk about things you're passionate about, you will light up and appear more engaging," he says. "You don't have to find a shared interest [to connect with others]. You just have to share your interests." So be sure to ask the people around you what they do in their spare time.

Ask for Introductions

Peter Handal, Dale Carnegie & Associates' chairman, CEO and president, notes that shy people attending conferences tend to find one person with whom they spend all their time for the duration of the event.

Although settling in with one person may be more comfortable for the introvert than introducing himself to lots of new people, says Handal, it defeats the purpose of networking.

He recommends that the shy person ask his new buddy if the new buddy knows anyone else and if the new buddy could make some introductions on his behalf. "That's a nice soft way for people at the shy end of the spectrum to meet others," says Handal.

Be Generous

Sometimes shy people have trouble networking because they don't think they have anything significant, such as a job or a contact, to give back to someone who helped them.

Although networking works best when you do have something to offer, what you offer doesn't have to be a job, says Ferrazzi. Sincere interest in the other person — even flattery — is a form of generosity and goes a long way when you're networking, he says.

"Be authentic, share your passions and help other people feel good about themselves or be successful — that's all you have to do to network," he says.

Be Prepared

If you're afraid you'll freeze up or get tongue-tied in a social setting, prepare yourself in advance. Think of ice-breaker questions you can ask people you meet. If you're attending an event specifically to network your way to a new job, have your personal pitch ready, says Feldman. She also recommends anticipating questions you may be asked, such as why you're looking for a new job, and have clear, concise answers at the ready. "Your delivery has to be attention grabbing to overcome interruptions and compensate for a lack of privacy," she says.