Form Alliances
by Barbara Reinhold 
Networking plays a major role in most hiring decisions. Why? Because human beings do the hiring, and humans are irresistibly drawn to clones of themselves. As a result, people from the right tribe, in one way or another, mysteriously seem to get the nod for promotions, plum assignments, and jobs.
There has, however, been too much talk about networking as a kind of party game, in which you identify the quarry with whom you want to have an informational interview and strategically sidle on over to exchange small talk. The theory is that from this magic conversation will come a relationship that will lead someone to call you and ask you to apply for a job in the next cubicle. The amazing thing is it really does happen that way sometimes, provided the tribe vibes are correct.
But far too many people are imagining networking only as a solo sport, and not taking advantage of a very effective group form of networking called "alliance making." This form of networking means taking the trouble to create a loose alliance of people who know and respect each other and are willing to be peer coaches and go out on a limb for each other if necessary. You can start with one other person, then together choose another, then with three choose a fourth, until you've got a group that seems to work. Or you could find a group already made, such as everybody in your company who telecommutes regularly or a bunch of people from a local professional group. Other possibilities include the four people you studied with during your executive MBA program or some like-minded folks from Chamber of Commerce breakfasts. The point is that if networking is good, belonging to carefully chosen alliances can be even better.
Alliances let you reach out to more people and get more research and surveillance accomplished. Alliances are more likely to give you constructive feedback from time to time. Alliances are fun, and you probably already belong to one (or could get one going more easily than you think). Do your career a favour, and invest some time and energy in at least one good alliance.