You have to be either intelligent or handsome (or both of them) to be interesting. Otherwise you're pretty much hopeless. I don't know any other ways to attract people. Oh, I forgot money can buy everything.

Do some interesting things, like go on holidays to exotic or far away places. Most of my friends haven't travelled out of Melbourne, so to tell them of Perth, Brisbane, Darwin and everywhere in between turns into a large conversation that can last all night.

Or if you and your friends share interests/hobbies, talk about that. Being into technology, my friends and I are always discussing new tech that has just been released, and what the future holds.

talk about a movie you like or want to see. Then casually say wanna come and see it.

Initiating conversation is all about putting your self and your curiosity into the conversation...

Some people may talk utter crap to you, but you still gotta talk to them

Just go hey and if theyre wearing something you think is new go oh i like that
ect.
talk about shopping
shopping leads to other things like the story how you got there..
ect..
making small talk is about connecting things to different topics

talk about school stuff or gripe about teachers and homework. ask about a new movie or a new band or something. comment on someone's clothes or jewelry. those are good ways to initiate conversations.