[karthikm]

For starters, I'd recommend 'How to win friends and influence people' by Dale Caregie and 'How to talk to anyone' by Leil Lowndes.

Freelancing to pay bills also turns out to be a big distraction. I'd recommend exploring other creative ways that don't take your focus off of your startup to pay (or avoid) your bills.

[Shana]

I second the Leil Lowndes.

[petercooper]

Thirded. "How to Talk To Anyone" is an excellent book. I need to read it again though as there are so many things to remember :-)

[Shana]

I actually use the tip on nametags. I'm now known as "Smiley" because I put smiley faces on nametags instead of my name. I'm dorky what can I say.