We all know that personal connections are the best way to grow a business, drive sales, or find a job. But the word “networking” makes most people break out in a cold sweat. It conjures up images of stuffy mixers where name tags and white wine abound. Nevertheless, events are an essential tool in your professional arsenal. Meeting people in person is the most effective way to build rapport. When there’s a whole group, it’s even more efficient. But what if you’re afraid of getting trapped in an awkward or bad conversation? We’ve all been there, and that fear can keep us from meeting new people, or even from attending events in the first place. Read more.