If you don’t like networking, you’re not alone, writes Bull Garlington in The Secret Science of Mingling. That doesn’t mean you’re excused from it though. On the contrary: it means you probably have to work harder to be successful at small talk. But there’s good news:

Mingling might remind you too much of your first high school dance, but you can get over it. With practice and determination, you can finally fling yourself fearlessly into a function, walk right up to a V-formation of attorneys, stick out your hand for a shake, and say something like, “Hey guys, are the Cubs on a streak or what?” (They are not.)

Garlington’s post is full of good ideas that just might make you hate networking a little less. Read it, then get out there and mingle. You’ll do great.