I'm a beginner at this. In fact I've mostly just read a lot and only done a few approaches.

But I've noticed that after even considering the idea of approaching a woman out of the blue and expressing romantic/sexual interest, suddenly approaching people to make friends becomes SO EASY. At a party, at an event, literally anywhere chatting people up and making friends becomes really easy. I recently started a study abroad experience, and I'm already known as "the guy that knows everybody". And I'm still a guy that gets really nervous at the thought of a cold approach. Before getting into this I wouldn't have been nearly this social.