Linked In and Your Website
I have been invited by a friend to show him how to use the Linked In social networking program in his business. He tells me his wife has a Linked In account and “on the computer all the time.” He wants to know what he is missing and how he can take advantage of this social networking program to promote his business.
In the next series of blog entries I will share my reflections on using the Linked In social networking program for small business owners.
Comparing Linked In to Other Social Networking Tools
Think of the different types of social networking programs as different types of parties. Linked In is a very formal business party. You can use this social networking program for creating business connections, looking for a job, answering business questions. You are expected to be dressed up in your best business behavior. People expect you to push and promote your business. Currently, there are 30 Linked In million users.
Think of Face book as a social networking party. It started with Harvard college kids and now has expanded to anyone, including businesses. You have more fun at this party. The dress is expected to be informal. You will meet other business people on Face Book among the 165 million users. Face Book is now promoting Pages or Fan Groups as the business version of Face Book.
Think of Twitter the newest and skinniest of the social networking program as a neighborhood block party. You are only allowed 140 characters for your messages. The primary purpose of this party is to get to know people. It’s very informal and causal. Conducting too much business is considered bad taste. If you meet someone interested, ask them to check out your website or blog for more information. Otherwise has a good time at the party and meet a lot of new people. Experts claim that Twitter will be bigger than Face book by the end of 2010.
Small is Not Bad
Being smaller, narrower and less popular can be seen as a limitation. It is also Linked In’ strength as the social networking program environment. In the next blog entry, I will explore some of the unique features of Linked In for small business owners.
Your comments and questions are always welcomed. Join me in this discussion. Thanks.
Al
