As for meeting people, most people are lonely on one level or another. If you can genuinely just say hello to random people, you'll be networking and getting to know people in no time. If it's at a social scene, or a public place, just look for someone sitting or standing by themselves, and ask if they would mind some company. In my experience, over 50% of people say yes. (If they don't, then move on to the next person.) You can combine this with walking for socialization and exercise. Along the same lines, if you are comfortable learning dancing, look for a ballroom/latin/swing with lessons that swap partners. (Every one was a beginner at some point, these places tend to keep people remembering that and therefore happy to help others learn.)

If you tend to be an introvert, then just take more time asking good questions, let them talk, and then expand upon the mutual interests. Most of my friends wouldn't know I tested on the introverted side on Myers Briggs. (I've moved towards the middle since high school, mostly because I like taking this approach to life so the answers as to what I'd do have actually changed.)

Good luck. If you throw out your location, you might be able to make some local connections through here.