Jason Alba, CEO and creator of JibberJobber.com, author of I’m on LinkedIn – Now What??? and co-author of I’m on Facebook – Now What???, took time to answer a few questions that that lunch & learn participants had following his Social Networking in Action lunch & learn presentation. Below are the questions that participants had, along with Jason's answers.
1. You mentioned that the LinkedIn audience is more businesslike/professional. As I evaluate best strategy for audience: How would you characterize audience demographics for (1) Twitter and (2) Facebook?
This is just my opinion, but here’s how I characterize what I’m seeing on Twitter: Lots of people who are comfortable with social technologies and interested in “conversation.” The people whom I see on and using Twitter are often bloggers and have some kind of following. They are very cool, helpful and nice people. Lots of information sharing. Lots of news broadcasting.
On Facebook I see a lot of people who are professionals but are there for social/personal reasons. Lots of newer people I’ve seen are small business owners who have some kind of money making or money saving opportunity. Many people don’t know what they are doing there, or why they are connecting with me. It’s like they are kicking the tires. Users seem to interact differently on Facebook than they do on LinkedIn. Still, don’t underestimate the professionals on Facebook.
2. Where do you draw the personal vs. business line with Facebook and Twitter?
I do everything onbrand for my business, or my personal brand, so I’m very careful to barely put any personal stuff up, even on Facebook. Realize that, no matter where you put your personal info, it can show up anywhere.
3. How do you handle people who ask you to be on multiple social sites (Facebook & LinkedIn)?
I get this quite often. No big deal… Some people want to connect in different places for different reasons and play to each platform's strengths. Sometimes people connect with me on LinkedIn for the search factor (the ability for one another to tap into each other’s network), but also want to connect on Facebook because of the social communication tools. It’s really not a big deal, but I do draw the line there. I hardly ever (never?) connect with people outside of LinkedIn or Facebook.
4. When will Jason's new book on LinkedIn be out?
Guess what?! I just learned that I'm on LinkedIn - Now What??? should be shipping on Black Friday, November 28th. Very excited to get this new information out!
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Social networks are communities of people who share interests and activities and are interested in exploring these interests and activities with others. Social networking has become a phenomenon and gone beyond the social aspect to become an integral part of business, especially as the lines between personal and business lives continues to blur. Last week's Lunch & Learn webinar session explored how social networking can be used as a job connection in today's economy.
