From the Brazen Careerist editor: We know that many of you already understand how Facebook and LinkedIn and all the rest have changed networking. But face it—many of your co-workers don't. And maybe they need to. Maybe you can send them this, as a sort of one-stop guide to how to network online, as a “don't ask me any more questions—just read this.” But that would be bad networking. So maybe just say “Hey--read this and then let's talk.”

It’s happening all around you. People you know or people you hear about are making successful career moves through connections they make on social networks and blogs. They’re making names for themselves through podcasting or hosting discussion groups. They’re worrying about things like their digital footprints and cleaning up digital dirt. However they’re doing it, what they’re doing is online networking. It’s the hottest thing to hit the world of job hunting and career management since a little site called Monster started the electronic job search revolution of the 1990s.

So, what’s in it for you? Should you be doing more than just reading blogs and accepting the occasional LinkedIn invitation? Yes! As career coaches working in the trenches daily with job seekers, we see that online networking is a must for professionals at all levels from all industries.

Why it’s a must…

More than 20 million people in 150 industries around the world are members of LinkedIn, while other social networks boast millions of member-to-member connections in multiple languages. 112 million blogs connect people around the globe and Google has archived more than one billion posts to message boards and discussion groups. If you do it, you’ll be in good company!

Hiring trends still indicate that approximately 70-80% of job seekers land their jobs through networking. Whether you ‘re actively in job search mode or just want to expand your networking reach, or you’re a recruiter in search of the perfect candidate, active networking can play a critical role in furthering your objectives.

There’s no substitute for traditional, offline networking as the best way to build meaningful professional relationships. But now, with online networking, you can propel your networking efforts into a whole new dimension. Connecting with people and building relationships on the Web solves lots of the common networking and career management challenges:

I need to broadcast my message faster and farther
By having a well-written profile on LinkedIn or other virtual communities, by having a webfolio to serve as an online resume, and by being active on blogs to show off your knowledge, you can be visible with the side benefit of enabling you to be found by recruiters and hiring managers.

I need a dramatic increase in the scope and reach of my network.
Your information can be viewed by thousands or perhaps millions of other people globally 24/7, faster and farther than possible with traditional networking.

I don’t have much time to network.
Online networking takes less time, is less labor intensive, and is easier to schedule than face-to-face networking.

I need help unearthing influential and hard-to-find people.
You can identify and network with people online who might help with your decision-making and focusing process. This is particularly important if you are considering changing career fields but also helpful for staying up on trends and developments in your existing field.

You can search the memberships of social networks to see where people work, read company blogs to get a feel for various corporate cultures, and ask people in your online networks which organizations they recommend for your target list.

I need to enhance my credibility and stature in my field.
All online networking venues offer an opportunity to share your knowledge with others, whether through blogging, Question & Answer areas of social networks, or participation in discussion groups.

I’m not confident my resume will be reviewed on job boards.
You can identify and approach individuals within your target organizations, rather than relying on a somewhat anonymous online application.

I’m somewhat introverted and not comfortable with networking in general.
Networking from the comfort of your own computer screen can be much less intimidating. Online networking isn’t a substitute for picking up the phone or showing up at a networking event, but is can be a less scary way to meet people and start to build professional relationships that can be moved offline.

As you start to get more into online networking to help with any of these issues, remember that everything you say and do online leaves a digital trail that reflects on your reputation and character. Develop a thoughtful approach to your online interactions that clearly and consistently supports your personal brand and you’ll blaze a digital trail you can be proud to call your own.