You Can't Personalize This Process

I recently sent out some 'staying in touch e-mails' to people who have been firmly in my network.  I didn't get responses from three people who I counted as 'in my corner' -  not even an 'I'm busy and will get back to you as soon as I can.'  I felt really lousy about that.  I know I should 't personalize these things, but this is a very personal process.

It is critical to have a thick skin while engaged in a job search.  You have to remember that your network contacts are generally working and may not respond to a request or just a hello because they're busy.  If you let this lack of responsiveness get to you, it can really rob you of the confidence you need to stick with this process.