Online=Good, Real-Life=Better

When it comes to professional visibility, in-person networking with peers is best, but online networking sites are a pretty close second, according to a new survey by staffing firm Robert Half Management.

Of the CFOs surveyed, 28 percent said the best way for accounting and finance managers to gain visibility is through professional or alumni groups or events. But 22 percent put social media, including LinkedIn, Twitter and individual blogs, in the number one spot.

The survey included responses from 1,400 CFOs of U.S. companies with 20 or more employees.

Three other responses tied for third place with 15 percent of respondents citing each: publish articles in trade or business journals, volunteer or do charitable work and speak at industry events or webinars.

For those who want to improve their visibility through social media, Robert Half says a few keys are to join appropriate industry groups, fill in profile details to make it easier to track you down online and help others by retweeting Twitter posts and answering discussion questions on LinkedIn. It also says it's important to be selective about inviting others into your network and think before you introduce someone you know online to a colleague.