In Forbes May 2007 issue, author Barbara Ehrenreich writes about networking:
Why do people resist the idea of networking?
Most people encounter the notion of networking through the crisis of unemployment. Suddenly a layoff, downsizing or re-org leaves you without income, health insurance or a postbreakfast destination. What to do? “There are four ways to find a job,” an ExecuNet functionary told a group of white-collar job seekers I had joined in 2004 as an undercover journalist–“networking, networking, networking and networking.” My own career coach, whom I was paying $200 an hour to propel me into employment, advised networking with every single human I could buttonhole, even for a second: the person seated next to me on a plane, my doctor, my doctor’s receptionist.
It should be fun, right? Read on!
While I enjoyed her excellent and well-researched article, I have to disagree that networking always stinks and is never fun. I do agree, however, her committment to “networking from the heart.” YES. Givers gain. Check out how marketing coach Ronnie Noize and I turn things around and keep ’em positive in our teleclass, Seven Secrets of Networking, Thursday, May 31.
And for more fun, yes I said fun, about networking, check out the MP3 of Rock Your Network (R).
Insider’s Guide to Interviewing
Insider’s Guide to Resume Writing
Insider’s Guide to Job Search
Check out Sean Aiken’s blog – one candidate’s innovative technique to explore careers at: 
Rock Your Career® 