For me, the thought of networking conjures up images of going to an event and inevitably ending up in a stilted one-on-one conversation which leads to that dreaded awkward pause.
You know the one - you both stand there grinning at each other in utter silence for what seems like weeks and you desperately rack your brain for small talk while searching for an escape route, any escape route, be it a shared acquaintance, fire alarm or last orders at the bar.
Guardian Careers graduate blogger Hannah Salton, on the other hand, admits to having associated networking until recently with a not-so-pleasant image of a suave but slimy person sucking up to a senior manager.
For whatever reason, many people are dubious about networking. But, as many of you are probably aware, it has become something of a buzzword in job-seeking. The power of networking has cropped up in many a live Q&A as an important step to finding work, from landing research contracts to getting your break in music journalism.
However, don't think opportunities to network are limited to rooms full of people in suits swapping business cards over glasses of buck's fizz; although such events are undoubtedly great provided, unlike me, you've got your patter nailed. You are networking every time you come into contact with someone, according to a recent Guardian Money piece.
Realising this helped Hannah use networking to her advantage and made her realise it has nothing to do with brown-nosing. The BT graduate scheme insider found by arranging informal chats with people who work in different areas of the business, she built new contacts who have go on to introduce her to their network of friends and colleagues, helping Hannah to investigate her next career move.
So, if you'd like to know more about taking your first steps in networking, we've lined up an panel of expert schmoozers to give first-timers the lowdown on everything from using online networks to developing relationships which lead to a leg-up the career ladder. Join us on May 31 - post your advance questions below.
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Our panel:
Kate Allen is managing director and co-founder of recruitment agency Allen Associates. As a member of the CIPD Oxford Group Committee, Kate regularly organises and attends events for HR Professionals in the area.
Paul Tomkies is the managing director of Massive CVs, a professional CV writing and career management company.
Steven D'Souza is author of Brilliant Networking. Steven has a portfolio career of writing, consulting and coaching executives in networking skills.
Will Kintish runs Kintish, a business which shows professionals how to become more successful at networking.
James Uffindell is MD of the Bright Network, a careers network for students, graduates and young professionals. Bright network is a free community allowing candidates and employers to interact with each other through a website and networking events.
Andy Lopata is an expert on networking strategy and the author of three books on networking. He regularly works with groups seeking to either find jobs or boost their careers through their network.
Jason Barrett is head of creative technology at McCann London. He founded the job site Twitjobs, which helps subscribers find work through social networking channels including Twitter.
Katie Ledger is a communications coach and author of careers book And what do you do?.
Neil Munz-Jones is author of The Reluctant Networker and manager of his own consultancy business, MDJ2.
Tim Cook is national director of business networking organisation BNI. He'll be online at 2pm until 2:30pm.
Dinah Liversidge is an entrepreneur, business trainer and public speaker who has addressed audiences in the UK and around the world. Dinah will be online from 2:30pm until 3:30pm.
