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Dec
19
2011
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I've heard several times over the past year two statements and noticed the tone of the sentiment. Do you hear these statements, too?
- You're ALWAYS on Facebook. And the meaning behind it: Facebook is such a complete and utter waste of time. I can barely keep up but notice every time I pop into Facebook, you have a status update, photos, news items, links, etc. in your page feed. (in summary, their observation of your Facebook use is a criticism)
- You're SO active on LinkedIn! And the meaning behind this: you seem to be super active in your career and industry. Whenever I visit LinkedIn (not as frequently as I'd like), I read your status updates, see your profile updates, read your new connections, see that you've participated in events or answered questions, etc. How do you do it? (in summary, their observation of your LinkedIn use is a compliment)
Why am I using Facebook? First and foremost - Facebook is the #1 place to be; virtually, that is. Everyone from teens to senior citizens are on Facebook. Advertisers now use their Facebook pages instead of web addresses on commercials and in print ads. Plus, smart marketers know they can find a great opt-in audience through fans of their pages (just like Walsh has through our Walsh Facebook fan page). Not sure how to effectively manage your company page? Do what I do: watch your competitors as well as other company pages to observe their techniques.
I've learned that in order to be effective on Facebook, you need to be able to blend the social use with the professional use in order to make Facebook effective. That requires effort and a level of frequent visits. Yes, my worlds have collided and I am absolutely okay with this. However, I will only connect with people on Facebook if I feel comfortable enough to share photos of my kids with them. Yes, I'm one of THOSE moms! :) Moreover, I try to mentor younger professionals to learn how to be "professionally social" on Facebook, since we all know how impressions formed in our social circles can impact our careers.
Why am I using LinkedIn? It all began back in 2008 when I found my job at Walsh College through LinkedIn. After that, I was convinced it was a powerful professional networking tool. In my role as Director of Marketing, I oversee all social media channels for the College. Being that we are an all-business college, LinkedIn was a perfect fit for our students, alumni, and the business community that we serve. Here again, I've found it's important to blend my personal/professional use with my company's presence on the site. Walsh offers periodic LinkedIn 101 and 201 webinars to help educate our students and alumni on the site, as well as to provide a service to our employer community to help strengthen our relationships with those companies.
In summary, the perception of Facebook use as negative and LinkedIn use as positive is all in the eye of the observer. For me, there's value in being active on both sites.
What do you think? Are you embarrassed of your use of Facebook? Proud of your use of LinkedIn?
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