Duncan Mathison and Martha I. Finney

Let's face it: Even when you're on top of the world, chances are good that the idea of networking sounds like a big, fat drag. You can probably think of 100 other things you'd rather do -- like cleaning the blades of your ceiling fan. But if you're one of the 14.9 million who are competing for what seems to be a handful of jobs, your confidence has probably taken a hit. So now is probably not the time to be meeting anyone new. In fact, now is not the time to get out of your pajamas.

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?