WAY back in 2008, Fortune published this article which applies to you this very minute:

Be A Better Networker

In this troubled economy, finding your next job (or not) may depend on your having a strong circle of people you can call on, and who know they can call on you.

NEW YORK (Fortune) -- You've heard or read it a thousand times (including in this very space): To supercharge your career, particularly when times get tough, you need a big, strong network of professional contacts -- people you can call on, and who know they can call on you, for advice, information, referrals, and introductions.

But many smart professionals are flummoxed when it comes to figuring out exactly how to get such a network started, and how to make their network grow and flourish.

"Networking is one of those things that some people naturally 'get' and others don't," says Ivan R. Misner, founder and CEO of BNI (www.bni.com), a worldwide networking organization with more than 110,000 members in 39 countries. "One metaphor I like is that most people treat networking like hunting - they're out there trying to bag the big one - but it's really a lot more like farming. You have to cultivate relationships over time."
You won't learn how in college, or even in B-school, Misner notes: "Most professors have never run a business, or had to figure out how to rise through the ranks in a big company, so they really don't understand how critical it is."

A survey of 2,200 BNI members found that 87% never had a college course that even mentioned networking - "and we're not talking about entire courses on the subject, which are rarer than unicorns, but any course that even briefly brushed on the subject," Misner says. "Yet, in another of our surveys, of more than 3,800 businesspeople worldwide, 73% said they get most of their business through networking."

Here are several testimonials about AAPN's network:

“Thirty fiber/yarn/fabric companies attending the AAPN Annual Conference shouts that we are “blurring the lines”, something which is counter to the very nature of associations”. — John Strasburger

“The AAPN manages to effectively bring individuals from the apparel and textile industries together to engage on relevant topics that concern our companies and livelihood. Over the years, although the rigors of my corporate responsibilities have been consuming and challenging, I still find time to "stay tuned" with the AAPN. This organization continues to evolve, delivering value and helping us view the industry from a perspective that is sometimes forgotten in our quest. Controversy can be good at times! AAPN is the ‘eHarmony’ of our industry” -- Jeff Streader

"Unlike ANY OTHER industry organization, AAPN really hits home run every time. It is a large yet very intimate group that really cares for their member’s growth and you will just love the INFORMATION you get on daily basis, the guidance and opportunity to network with entire supply chain. BTW, all members are very close to each other too and looking out for each other, a rare thing but really comforting to know that someone is watching your back”. — Ram Sareen

“Networks are hard....the rewards of AAPN membership pay off 100 fold and are well worth the investment and time”. — Rick Horwitch
“...the benefit of AAPN is you can walk away from their meetings with 30-40 new contacts. And, by working and meeting as one demand chain, AAPN works the way Asia does”. — Jim Borneman