Social networks key to career success

Source: The Courier-Mail

THE NEW YORK TIMES ran an illuminating article this week highlighting the subtle factors that hold certain groups back in the workplace.

Nancy DiTomaso, who conducted research on the unemployment disparity between whites and blacks in the US, finds that the driving but unspoken force behind it is often the favouritism that results from social networking.

We all know how important networking is -- most of us probably didn't get our jobs by cold-submitting a resume. So it makes sense that disadvantaged groups -- no matter their skills -- have a much harder time finding an "in." "In the context of widespread networking, the idea that there is a job 'market' based solely on skills, qualifications and merit is false," writes DiTomaso.

So while outright discrimination may not be as big a factor in inequality as it once was, the side effects or our not-fully-integrated lives continue to weigh heavily on success.

Is this kind of favouritism affecting you? Have you had help because of your social networks? Let us know in the comments.

And since networking is a necessary part of modern life, here's how to build one:

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Award winner a seaworthy success

Moonraker Dolphin Swims managing director Torie Mackinnon Source: Supplied

COMMERCIAL sea captain, 10-year small business veteran and international award winner.

It's an impressive resume for 2012 Telstra Victorian Business Woman of the Year, Moonraker Dolphin Swims managing director Torie Mackinnon, but not without its challenges.

Mackinnon (pictured) was made a sea captain at age 17, an obvious contrast to the male-dominated ranks of captains who looked critically at her, "asking why this 17 year-old had this 70-foot boat", she says.

Then there was the electrical fire that stopped her boat in the water during peak tourist season.

Mackinnon took over the business after it was sold as part of a divorce settlement and has been at the helm for the past 10 years. But while it remains a family business that feeds her passion for the sea, she knows her business skills are undoubtedly driving that growth.

"We were one of the first businesses to take part in the group buying market," she says.

"If you can manage it well, you can build your revenue streams during what would otherwise be your slower periods, selling tickets that can bring in cash and make a big impact."

Mackinnon says her mother, one of the original owners, has been "the most supportive business partner in the world".

"She always told me to try whatever I wanted," she says.

To nominate someone for this year's awards, go to businesswomensawards.com

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Skirts 'key to success for women'

THE trouser suit may be the uniform of choice for the power-dressing career woman. But she'd be better off in a skirt, research shows.

View the original article here

Skirts 'key to success for women'

THE trouser suit may be the uniform of choice for the power-dressing career woman. But she'd be better off in a skirt, research shows.

View the original article here

Skirts 'key to success for women'

THE trouser suit may be the uniform of choice for the power-dressing career woman. But she'd be better off in a skirt, research shows.

View the original article here