Uncomfortable networking with family friends

I know I should be networking with everybody possible, but I feel uncomfortable contacting family friends.  I feel like I’m imposing on them.  And it makes it look like I can’t get a job on my own.

Why Write Cover Letters if Some Recruiters Don't Read Them?

Recently I heard a recruiter say she never reads cover letters, just resumes.  So now I’m wondering if I should even bother writing cover letters at all.  They're very time consuming.