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Social networks are pretty well mainstream now. Everyone has heard of MySpace and knows what it is, and even my teachers from high school or earlier are adding me on Facebook (I’m still not sure if them remembering me is a good thing or not). Every now and then I even have a few students from UNCW request to join my network on LinkedIn. Even less occassionaly, I get a twitter invite from someone locally. I would estimate 95% of the people I meet are on a social network (yes, I realize this is skewed based on my profession, etc). I’m just not sure people are choosing the right social network to be a part of.
See, there was this girl who we’ll call Jane. She was smart, had exuberant energy, and was really passionate about what she did. We’ll say she did pottery. Now, Jane was looking for a job, and I like being able to connect talented individuals who need employment with worthwhile employees. It just gives me that little tickle of joy, you know, the kind when you get to sit down and watch your favorite tv show, or when you get a tinge of success (or something). The problem was I didn’t really know Jane that well, so I wanted to see some of her work. That was no problem for Jane! While she didn’t have a website (she should have a website) she did have examples of her work online. But it was on her MySpace.
Ok. Jane is a Gen Yer, so the fact that she had her work on a social network wasn’t what got me. What got me was that she had it on MySpace. That’s kind of like building a mansion in the crappiest part of town. Sure, the mansion looks nice, what with its gated entrance, indoor theater, triple crown moldings, mohagony floors, and river front view, but the value of the place is automatically horrible by association with the area.
This really made it hard. As much as I wanted to start looking at Jane’s work in an unbiased way, I couldn’t. If she had it on Facebook, even though she should still have a nicely designed resume flaunting her pottery skills, I would have accepted it. It would have been the right neighborhood at least. But no. Her work was on MySpace.
Thinking about that, I’ve noticed I think along similar lines when I meet new people. Depending on the conversation, if you’re not on Twitter, you’re docked geeknick tech points. If you’re on Facebook, that’s somewhat redeemable. At least we can be friends. But if you’re only on MySpace, regardless of how awesome you are, friendship simply will never be- online anyway. I can easily see this becoming a more prominent step in branding. Questions like Digg or Sphinn. For the average person it doesn’t matter but for the SEO specialist it may make all the difference.
But what do you think? Does someone’s social network define them to you? Does your social network define you?
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9 RESPONSES TO "WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA YOU CHOOSE SAYS A LOT ABOUT YOU"
I definitely agree. I finally just got around to making a personal website of my own that lists my experience, a photo, testimonials, clients, and work samples. I made sure it looks very clean and professional. That way I can give it to people interested in hiring me or using my services and it will tell them everything they need to know about me in a professional way. I would never dream of giving a professional my myspace link, though -- love your analogy about that being like building a mansion in the crappiest part of town!
Very interesting article. I feel you on the MySpace/Facebook item. More importantly, I think is how you present yourself on certain social networks. At work, we just lost an internal 'facebook' type of application using Mysites, so the trend is definitely growing.
Also, would be very interested in what others think beynod social networking. For example, I don't really think much differently of people when it comes to certain social bookmarks. (Course, if a blog is using the AddThis badge, I tend to think that they are on top of their social bookmarking badges).
Is there a favorite or more looked upon network for social bookmarks?
oops! That was suppossed to say "launched" not lost...my bad
Choosing your network is important because all of the major ones have their own reputations. Facebook has basically gone mainstream. MySpace remains for musicians, high school kids, and people who aren't interested in being professional. That's the reputation anyway.
I would agree with Michael about networks and their reputations. I was never into myspace. I joined mainly because all my friends were on there and people could find me. What can I saw, I'm nostalgic. But I rarely use it. I don't update it and only log in if I receive a message or friend request. And I make my profile private.
I like Facebook a little bit more, though the applications are driving me up the wall. Again, I don't log in much and mainly use it to connect with people. I definitely don't use it for business.
I've preferred LinkedIn since it launched. There are a few more features I'd like to see, but I like it's straight forward, professional business focus. I enjoy reading and answering questions, and at some point (possibly very VERY soon), the connections can be valuable when looking for a new job or clients.
I don't think too hard about which networks people choose to belong to. Ultimately, it's like Alex said - it is about the presentation on those sites.
I held a job with the same company for many years, and never had the need or desire to join a social network (I'm a private person, and it certainly wasn't necessary or even helpful to my job). Now my job is done, and I'm out there re-creating my work life. If I reconsider my reluctance to jump into a social network, what advice do you have for me?
@Alex - Enterprise 2.0 software is becoming more and more the norm. In all honesty, I'm not really sure how I feel about companies that are focusing so much time and effort into recreating an "internal facebook". Especially in most instances those companies are still blocking the external, legit facebook. The greater irony that occurs there is that those companies would get more marketing exposure on actual Facebook if they let their employees access them rather than force them into their internal one.
As for social bookmarks. There are a number of solutions, but delicious seems to be the most widely used, although it's tapering off a bit in terms of popularity and all. In most cases, the cutting edge are using FriendFeed more to share their favorite links. I personally haven't been using delicious that much as of late, and have been using social browse a lot more instead.
In regards to social news related stuff, depending on a person's profession, I 'grade' them based on what they're on. In some fields StumbleUpon is the best route, in others Digg, still others Mixx, or Sphinn, and the list goes on. It depends on how you're promoting your company.
@Alaia - When it comes to sheer business network power, LinkedIn has given me the best ROI. As it works for me, I've used LinkedIn for the "acquaintance" oriented business relationships, or to find people I need, etc. But I often transition someone I get along with that is a connection on LinkedIn into Facebook (or email) to begin deepening our friendship digitally.
@Brit - If you're a private person, and you're not really into the "social web" I would first say cudos for reading blogs : ) I would then say, when it comes to social networks, that LinkedIn will probably be the most comfortable for you. It's very straight and to the point- business related. If you're concerned about privacy but are wanting to try out Facebook, or know of friends that might be worth having on Facebook, shoot me an e-mail and I can help you setup privacy controls so even your Facebook will allow you to maintain a larger degree of privacy. Overall, though, the social web is about transparent authenticity, not about privacy. It's hard to get involved and continue to be private (and often times one's success is based on a lack of privacy).
Facebook is the Pottery Barn of social networking - http://www.danah.org/papers/essays/ClassDivisions.html
I have a FaceBook because it's considered more professional, but I don't understand why. I hate everything about that interface, and much prefer MySpace. Of course, I'd never contact anyone professional through either site. I have a LinkedIn, too.
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