Here are my 2 cents too

1. Try finding people who are like you, your interest, profession. It's no use to chat with a football guy if you're not into it. Golf is another example.

2. Work lunch...try to initiate a conversation with someone (not out of nothing...something that is right there). From the kitchen window, you guys see a crazy driver...say "That guy is going to hurt somebody" and look into his/her eyes....go from there. Weather, news, magazine, frozen foods, alcohol are god topics to start at lunch. Look around on the wall of their cubes..picture of their dogs, family, cars, the wallpaper on their monitor...there are plenty of ways to start a conversation. It's upto you how far you want to go after that.

3. Never expect them to know your name, introduce yourself. If they mispronounce your name, don't be too picky about it...just say "close enough". Absolutely...remember his/her name, it's a must. Next time you see hi, say "Hi Brent, How's going?" People get impressed when they see you remember their name. After work pub crawling is a very good place to get even closer with your co-workers. Don't get too drunk though and reveal our "Bir Gorkhali" drunk ass attitude.

4. Talk about something that is relevant about their life. They don't care about Mt. Everest, Buddha or MOMO.

5. Don't be too opinionated about religion, god and politics.

6. Have a sense of humor, don't be too uptight. When they feel very comfortable, some of them even will curse you as a way to saying you're cool. Behind locked door, me and my boss curse the shit out of each other. It might not work with others, personality is the key. For others, have manners, be polite. Don't hesitate to say “Hello, Thanks and I'm sorry” to people when you “have to” even if does not make sense to our Nepali brain. Thank when someone holds the door for you. Say “I'm sorry” when you're blocking someone's way. Simple manner takes you a long way.

7.Let people speak, listen to them, don't just talk over them, don't try to be the center of attention.

8.Unless you're in Hillbilly area, most metropolitan city people will understand you fairly well even if you have an accent. West Cost should be even better. Be confident.

9.At the end of the day, it's your attitude. Some people are NOT friendly at all, hope you do not fall in the category.
 

I'm a friendly outgoing person (just another regular Nepali fella) and I get plenty of friends (White,Blacks,Latino and lots of Asians). I guess I'm easy going, people seem to like that. Not trying to brag.

Good Luck