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I've been getting a lot of requests for friends on various social networks lately. You probably have been too - there seems to be an explosion of interest lately, particularly on Twitter.
I'm generally encouraged by this, as it means that the space is continuing to grow, rather than to wane like some short-lived fad. But at the same time, it can make life a little more complex or cluttered if you're not ready to deal with it.
But social networks are inherently different from each other. How you use one may not reflect how you use another, nor will contacts be consistent across every one of them. I thought it might be instructive to share how I think about my social networks - particularly focusing on how I consider friend requests in each. I've linked to my profiles, if you'd care to connect with me on them.
Facebook
Ah, Facebook. One of the most visible and recognized brands in the social networking space, where "friend" is a verb. For me, Facebook is a combination of business and social contacts.
I'll immediately accept a friendship request if I know you or follow you on another network. But that's not to say I'm exclusive in my friending. If we don't know each other, just introduce yourself and - most importantly - give me some context as to how you know me.
LinkedIn
I use LinkedIn as my professional social network. Like the old three-ring binders of business cards that I kept, LinkedIn is my real-time virtual collection of business cards.
As you can imagine, my requirements for LinkedIn are a bit more stringent. If you'd like to connect with me on LinkedIn, we should have met or at least have had some meaningful interaction. I'll also accept introductions via people I know.
Twitter
Twitter is probably the loosest of all of my networks. I generally like connecting with more people there because I enjoy the exchange of ideas, links and quick personal interaction that it allows.
While there are some people who add absolutely everyone back, I can't keep up with the pace and consider some of them spammy. Since there have been a good number of new followers, I'm having trouble adding some back. If you follow me and I haven't followed you back, don't take it personally. Just get my attention by sending me an "@" message and I'll be sure to add you back. It's as simple as that.
I hope this post was a helpful insight about how I consider friend requests in each network. I'd be interested to know how you handle your own connections on your various social networks. Please leave a comment and educate me.
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Comments
Scott,
I'm with you 100%. I use each tool you describe in exactly the same ways. It's good to know, as sometimes I feel like I'm fishing in a dry lake.
Posted by: Lewis Green | 05.07.08
I hate to sound like a parrot, but... Yeah, what Lewis said.
RE twitter: I readily follow someone on a trial basis, but if I don't know them and they twit-spam too much, they end up getting knocked off the the list.
Posted by: Ed Healy | 05.07.08
Great to see other's take on the different applications. You would be surprised (or maybe not) with how many people who say what is 'a facebook'? The only way I differ from your opinion is my facebook, I have to consider the people actual friends, or more interaction than just a follow.
Posted by: Leah McChesney | 05.07.08
did not mean to leave my family blog on previous post, how boring. :)
Posted by: Leah McChesney | 05.07.08
Oh, I don't know, Leah - I think both are pretty interesting. :-)
Posted by: Scott Monty | 05.07.08
Scott, I enjoyed your opinion, I use LinkedIn the most of the networks you shared. I would like you to consider adding me. I would like to add your expertise in Marketing to my contacts.
Thanks
Posted by: Joel Hausmann | 05.07.08
I'm not sure I understand. All I know is that I'm keen to increase my profits.
Posted by: Frances Devereaux | 05.07.08
My approach pretty much parallels yours. Though I'm still not finding a lot of utility in Facebook. The casual interaction on Twitter is a great boon for someone who works solo!
Posted by: Steve Woodruff | 05.07.08
Social Media Marketing alone would not be sufficient to market your products You may need to do more...
What I can suggest is write few articles and submit to article submission directory and then convert it into PR and then submit to PR submission sites. then create a blog entry and then create a Squidoo page. You can also convert an article into 5 minute video with video and then submit to video sites. Also submit audio to podcasting site. Also submit your article/Pr to social bookmarking sites.
I call this re-purposing content on steroids!
I do provide this service for other clients. You can contact me at janak@preasy.com or http://www.preasy.com
Posted by: Janak Mehta | 05.07.08
@Joel No problem. Consider yourself added!
@Steve I agree with your comment about Twitter for the remote worker. It can be like the water cooler - casual conversation during breaks between work that foster a better degree of camaraderie and trust.
@Janak Wow. Sounds like you've got a booming business there. Not sure what it has to do with our discussion, but I wish you well.
Posted by: Scott Monty | 05.07.08
Scott, I bagged a really good client via LinkedIn. He found me! I think it's an amazing business tool.
I tend to find Facebook a bit annoying at times. If a friend or family member writes to me, I need to log onto the site to respond. It's just easier when they e-mail me directly.
I tried Twitter, yet haven't figured out the point yet. Who cares what I'm doing at any given minute anyway? I feel like saying, "Get a life!" :)
Posted by: Elaine Fogel | 05.07.08
I sound like a voice in the echo chamber since my stance is very similar.
Elaine - I'm finding Twitter a powerful networking and resource tool. Also, we're seeing people exploring direct business applications such as Comcast and JetBlue for customer service and Zappo is using it for "tweet" contests.
Posted by: Toby | 05.09.08
@Elaine - that's a *great* LinkedIn story!
As to Twitter, in my experience, it makes a huge difference who you follow and it takes on greater meaning when you're following a critical mass of people. I agree that some of the minutiae of daily routines aren't necessarily the most critical, but if you take the time to sift through posts or select your network carefully, you'll find it can be a valuable tool.
I know people who have used Twitter to get new business leads, network for career opportunities, report from conferences, connect geographically-dispersed sales teams, and more.
My advice is to stick with it and keep adding people. I'll be that before long, you'll find it useful.
Posted by: Scott Monty | 05.11.08