We’re getting familiar with the “Big 3” social networks here lately. By that, I mean Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, which are the ones with the most users (and probably in that order, too, but things can change overnight in social media). Probably many of you are using LinkedIn, but I’d wager that not many are using Facebook or Twitter. Here’s my take on the Big 3.
Facebook – Started by students, it enables users to keep their friends (that’s a key term) updated on what they are doing. Friendships on Facebook are two-way — we’re either friends with each other, or we’re not. In its original form, friends are chatty and personal, and it really was the kids using it. That’s changing. The average age of Facebook users is rising rapidly. To the extent that business people use Facebook, their updates portray their personal interests. Facebook recently made Facebook Groups available for business use. There are still some bugs, but early adapters are experimenting. Stay tuned. I still rate Facebook as “personal”.
LinkedIn – This network advocates that users only connect with people they know and trust. Like Facebook, it is a two-way relationship. We both have to agree to be connected. LinkedIn profiles read like online resumes, but LinkedIn is also an online “mixer”. You can obtain introductions to people you don’t know directly. Say I want to know the head of Marketing at XYZ company. You know him, and we’re connected on LinkedIn. I can ask you to introduce us. LinkedIn recently added Groups where people could ask each other questions, however increasingly, members are misusing Groups for self-promotion, creating a lot of noise. Still in it’s basic form, LinkedIn is a good business network. I rate Linked in as “professional”.
Twitter – Usually described as a microblog, it enables updates of 140 characters or less. Unlike Facebook or LinkedIn, the relationship you have with others is unilateral. You can choose to follow someone, but they don’t have to follow you back for you to get their updates. Twitter can be used from anywhere with a variety of devices – cellphone, browser or Twitter app on a computer. Twitter uses range all over the place, from personal to business, but who you follow will dictate the kind of updates you’ll get. If you choose to follow someone who primarily writes about your industry, it becomes a good business tool. You can follow industry thought leaders and stay informed. Based on the demographic of people who are using Twitter, I classify Twitter as for “business”.
So in a nutshell, I’m saying Facebook is personal, LinkedIn is professional and Twitter is business. Not always, but to a great degree. What do you think? I invite your comments.
[Oh, and BTW, you can find us on Twitter @morecontrary (me), @marygospe and @mikegospe!]