So much of business is done using networking:  building relationships with contacts and finding out what pain those prospects are experiencing so that conversations are meaningful and benefits based.

Yet this can take time. And if you have just been told you are at risk of redundancy then your contact list might not be extensive enough.

I loved this article by Rosabeth Kanter
Four Ways to Attack the Castle — And Get a Job, Get Ahead, Make Change

She likens organisations to "a medieval castle that doesn't want you inside and doesn't want change.  If you attack the castle head on you risk all the defenses going up at once. (Visualise the moats filling, iron bars clanging down, doors slamming shut, and weapons activated.)"

She has some great ideas on how to find a way to go around and underneath the castle with small, less visible steps that don't trigger defenses.

Whether you are facing redundancy or just want a change of  job or career, it helps to have multiple ways to attack the castle.

Recrion specialises in Career and People Management.  For more information on seminars and 1:1 coaching on Social Networking for Career Success contact us on 01780 484910 or visit our website www.recrion.co.uk.

I believe that social networking and technology have changed the traditional traits of success. A lot of people who network online find that:

• There is no specific age or generation bias
• Education doesn’t matter
• Type of employment situation doesn’t matter

So what are the keys to networking success in an online world?

Developing authentic relationships with or as a mentor is a great starting point for kicking your career into high gear.

For example, Janet Hanson the first woman in history to be promoted to the sales management floor at Goldman Sachs New York, found having children and being housebound for a few years incredibly isolating.  So in 1997 she launched 85 Broads so that women in her position wouldn’t feel as helpless as she did.

The "founding members" of 85 Broads were women who worked for Goldman Sachs at 85 Broad Street, the firm's NYC headquarters. Today the network consists of students and alumnae of the world's leading colleges, universities, and graduate schools are invited to join 85 Broads from every corner of the globe and from every possible career path. As a multi-cultural, multi-generational network, 85 Broads members live, work, and study in 82 different countries and work for over 3,500 for-profit and not-for-profit companies worldwide.  These women established an authentic relationship with Janet Hanson and her vision for success.

Continued learning is also a great way to nurture relationships online. Even if you feel that your professional development has stagnated, there are huge opportunities to learn from likeminded people by joining special interest groups and sharing resources.

The bottom line is that creating authentic relationships with peers is smart networking, and that works in the world of social media just as it does in the offline world.

It is key to remember when building relationships that it is all about giving rather then getting.  Ernst & Young’s Director of Social Media, Ken Burbary, specifically used the phrase “pay it forward” when he talked about how he communicates with and promotes other professionals. He says this was one of the things that has helped him to catch the attention of his peers.

Conclusion

Networking online gives you the opportunity to learn from those who are on the fast-track to success in their careers.  You’ll find your own career success  by developing genuine relationships with your peers and mentors, being ahead of the curve in your business sector, and always be willing to pay it forward and help those coming on behind you.

If you would like to develop a powerful career strategy and credible online visibility, contact Katherine Wiid, Career Management Coach on +44 (0)1780 484910 or visit www.recrion.co.uk.

I saw Katherine present yesterday and was inspired by the simplicity of her 'networking' message. I immediately went away and applied her teachings. The very next morning (i.e. this morning!) I was arranging meetings with potential new clients for photography and copy-writing services. Brilliant!

John Sootheran, Owner, www.madaboutmedia.com