While these are often so slickly written that it is difficult to make heads or tails of them, you can at least get an idea of their different holdings, and read the party line to see how they say they did last year. You should also scan recent newspapers and trade journals for any new developments. As one contact leads you to another, you'll keep adding new names. This Rolodex is the beginning of your network. It's a good idea to write down when and how you contacted someone and when you said you'd get back to him.
Many people find the toughest part of job hunting is the follow-up phone call.
They don't mind writing letters. If you are having trouble making phone calls, you might consider forming a job hunter's support group with a friend or two. In addition, pursuing several leads at once helps to put rejection in perspective, and multiplies your chances of success. If connections and networking aren't getting you in to the one person you most want to see, try writing a Great Letter directly to that person. Unless he is inundated with mail, he is likely to get back to you.