LinkedIn vs. Facebook: My [current] Opinion

August 9, 2007

opinion Before I get started, I’m not going to abandon my LinkedIn account – I’ve invested a lot in my profile and believe there is value to the service.

There has been a lot of talk recently about Jeff Pulver’s decision to leave LinkedIn and simply use Facebook as his lone social network.  The problem in announcing something like this in a mainstream business publication like Jeff’s article in Business Week is how general business people perceive it.

While an adventurous few of these users are willing to try these services, the majority are just awakening to online social networking and, of course, find things like Facebook to seem unprofessional.  You have to admit that LinkedIn comes across as a professional-oriented service that is designed to build professional relationships between its users.

This has probably helped cultivate strong feelings about Jeff’s switch…. that and most user’s anxiety to change.  Also, most people work so hard on their professional image (i.e. Personal Brand) climbing the corporate ladder, that they cringe at the thought of using something that may seem less than professional.

Of course, I think the point of Jeff’s BW article was to stir the pot.  Good!

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P.S.

I can’t help but wonder if this doesn’t somehow tie into Robert Scoble’s announcement that he is no longer answering email?

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  • Hi Vics,
    Thanks for the comment - you are right of course. What's missing in most of the discussion going on is that the average business person is viewing this as an attack on a service they are fond of.

    In Jeff Pulver's show this Friday, he pointed out that he simply prefers Facebook over LinkedIn because it works better for him. I think many (me included) may have overlooked trying to bring that point to the surface and bringing the conversation in that direction.

    Anyway thank-you!
  • Linkedin comes across as more professional because it focuses on profession and employment as opposed to likes and dislikes - for example you can only sign up with linked in if you supply a profession, there is no option for 'unable to work'.

    I think that depending on the type of business you're in. facebook is the better option as it is more accessible and yes there is that air of frivolity to it, but ultimately you have control over which apps to use.

    Obviously if the thought of other people tagging you in 'inappropriate' images scares you, you are not in the type of business to find facebook to your advantage - it's all down to common sense at the end of the day.
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