CareerBuilder.com

Being able to connect with others through small talk can lead to big things, according to Debra Fine, author of 'The Fine Art of Small Talk.' A former engineer, Fine recalls being so uncomfortable at networking events that she would hide in the restroom. Now a professional speaker, Fine says the ability to connect with people through small talk is an acquired skill.

Fine and her fellow authorities on schmoozing offer the following tips for starting -- and ending -- conversations:

Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer

When microblogging and social networking site Twitter debuted three years ago, plenty of people wrote it off as yet another pointless addition in the overcrowded networking world. Little by little, users proved the site's worth to nonbelievers. Considering the site only allows people to post, or Tweet, messages of 140 characters or less, you can't blame early skeptics.

By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor

Donald Trump continues to be a major influence in the working world. In his upcoming book How to Think Like a Billionaire (Random House), he teaches people how thinking like a billionaire (eg. Trump) can lead to success in work and, ultimately, life.

Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer

In the middle of a recession, the average worker is probably more focused on doing whatever's necessary to stay employed. Not showing up late, getting all your work done, bringing new ideas to the table and not making any major errors. Basically, not giving your boss a reason to fire you.

As good as those strategies are, they don't take into account the one person whose opinion really counts: the boss.

See, being a good employee is an important part of avoiding layoffs, not just in a recession, but all the time. Plenty of other workers and job seekers can replace you if you're just doing the bare minimum. Not everyone can be your substitute if the boss has come to rely on you to be a part of his or her success.

Of course, you're probably thinking: Shouldn't I be more concerned with making myself look good?

by Dan Schawbel, Author of "Me 2.0: Build a Powerful Brand to Achieve Career Success"

Whether you're a recent college graduate or an experienced veteran, these numbers are intimidating, but you can't lose hope. A recent Careerbuilder.com survey states that 41 percent of workers who were laid off from full-time jobs found a new full-time position.

The jobs are out there, but the way in which you search, discover, apply and interview for these positions has changed over the past few years. The best way to get a job now is by building your own personal brand, becoming known for a specific expertise and then networking your way into your desired job -- not just one that will pay your bills.

Americans love brands and well-known brands can command premium prices, more respect and have greater opportunities than competitors. Just like Coca Cola, the iPhone and Paris Hilton, you are also a brand and can become a rock star in your industry.