Every book has a different technique, and none of them work for me. I've read about 10 different books on pickup, and the only real way to learn, I've discovered (duh) is to go out! Reading books only gets you so far. So, I'm going to summarize what all pick up artists have in common, regardless of the technique they use.

Be ballsy: Don't care what others think of you. Just do things that you think are fun.

Approach everyone: Talk to everybody. Not for pickup, but to get to know people as well.

Be unapologetic: Do not apologize for anything you do (within reason). If you're going to touch a girl, touch her -- do it with intent.

Act like things are not a big deal: Life is fun. When girls make fun of you, or shit test you as mystery likes to call it, treat it like a joke. They're not trying to hurt someone they just met, and if they are, they're kind of assholes. When you want to sleep with a girl, act like it's not a big deal either... If you don't think it is, neither will she.

Practice, Practice, Practice: Practice without judging yourself. When something goes wrong, it's how you did it, it's not you (it could even be them).

Have confidence in yourself: Regardless of what you do, this one is the biggest. Make sure you have confidence in yourself. For example, Ghandi was one confident motherfucker, but he would have sucked at pickup. Everyone starts somewhere, and to stay motivated, make sure you stay confident. To do this, stop judging yourself and comparing yourself to others (easier said than done). Every time you have a negative thought, STOP YOURSELF FROM THINKING IT. Just stop (or distract yourself). Even if you think it's important. This will have a profound effect on your thinking patterns and especially your mood within a short timeframe.