In the current economic climate, jobs are extremely hard to come by. People are being sacked left, right, and center. Others are being forced to work 3 day weeks. Consumer spending is down, money is not worth what it was, and thus noone is motivated to spend.

I was in a position whereby I had no job, and was just lounging around at home doing nothing. This was not ideal because:

a) When you have been sitting at home for a week doing nothing, it gets quite tedious and boring.
b) I need money.

Off I went to the various pubs around where I live looking for a job. Not the greatest pay, but very social, and enjoyable. Unfortunately I had no luck. I tried various other places again with no joy.
I was thus in a position whereby I wanted to work, but simply could not.

Now my father happens to have a variety of contacts at a local business. A couple of simple processes, a formal application and interview, and I had a job. It is not the best job, and it is only 3 days a week, but a job none the less.

During my time at this particular job, I have worked in an office environment with a great bunch of people. Conversation ranges from ‘Who sings that’ (on the radio), ‘Have you heard about foot binding?’ etc
One discussion was about abuse of the system: people getting work experience simply because their parents worked there, people getting jobs because they had contacts etc. Little did they know I had done exactly that.

I did not mention this fact, but considered it. My viewpoint is everyone has contacts of some sort. Why shouldn’t we use our contacts. The difference between success, and failure in business can be contacts, so why should it be any different for personal circumstances. It figures that somewhere along the line, someone has had to do something to make that contact, and thus they can reap the rewards.

Likewise, recently I required 2 tickets to watch the Hong Kong sevens. Given that there were no public British companies/contacts offering tickets alone, I realized I would have to pay a ridiculous premium or get in touch with someone IN Hong Kong. I did the latter, via a contact who I have previously dealt with on DNForum. Two tickets are now on there way for a reasonable price.
Had I not had this contact I would be in a very difficult position, but I did. I made the contact, and have now got something out of that.

Now I am in the UK. If you make an effort to commune with me, if you do business with me, if you help me, then I may be a new contact for you.
Networking is vital in business, and life in general. Don’t take it lightly. Meet new people, discuss business opportunities, and grow your network. It may seem pointless at the time, but you don’t know when or why you might suddenly need a contact with a particular knowledge, or living in a particular place.

So in answer to the question, Yes ! Of course you should use your contacts. What is more you should actively try to make more contacts. You wont regret it.