Social Networking Matters

There is a deeply rooted myth in American culture that shapes our behavior---a myth so strong that to question it might challenge our history.

The myth: Success in America is an individual enterprise. This myth celebrates our rugged individualism as the key element in becoming a self-made man or woman. We believe that everyone succeeds or fails on the basis of individual efforts and abilities but this just isn't so. Revering this go-it-alone mentality, frontier spirit and lone wolf perspective actually holds us back from achieving the success we seek.

Simply put, 'Success is not only determined by what you know but also by whom you know.'   The real Success Formula is: Human Capital (what you know) X Social Capital (who you know and who knows you) X Reputation (who trusts you).

How can you overcome the myth of individualism?  Get yourself a career coach and begin to build your social capital through participating in social networks. 

If you want to land a new job or advance in your career, social networking should be a key element of your job search or career management strategy.  When used for professional purposes, social networking is the process of using social media (Web-based tools) to connect with people and develop relationships in order to reach your career goals and help others reach theirs.

Whether you're a beginner with social networking or already in the thick of it and want to advance your skills, the two books below are for you.   Social capital building through social networking is a "must do" for effective career management in today's global marketplace.

 Diane Crompton and Ellen Sautter: Find a Job Through Social Networking: Use LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs and More to Advance Your Career

For building your Social Capital, read: "Achieving Success Through Social Capital" (Jossey-Bass) by Wayne Baker