Six degrees of separation refers to the idea that, if a person is one step away from each person they know and two steps away from each person who is known by one of the people they know, then everyone is an average of six "steps" away from each person on Earth.

The key to successful networking is connecting with people.  Einstein said “information is not knowledge.”  We live an information age with more information than we can ever possibly use.  Knowing what you need to do and doing what you need to do bring drastically different results.  Einstein also defined Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Networking is not an individual private activity; you need people to meet people.  Based on the logic of the 6 degrees of separation most professionals are within 1 to 2 degrees of separation from connecting with the person or people that connect them to their next and greatest opportunity.  Sending out resumes is doing the same thing over and over again; you might have better odds of winning the slots at a casino than landing a position by sending out your resume.  The best method of delivering your resume is after you meet your desired contact through networking.