There is a big debate among educators about which is better: Facebook or LinkedIn. The two sites have some similarities as far as look and function. To connect with someone on Facebook you have to send a “friend” request, and LinkedIn similarly requires a request to “connect” with someone. Personal information about the author is available on both sites, and both sites can be used to share information, such as through blogs, comments, etc.
The big difference is the purpose of each site. Facebook has long been promoted as a “social” networking site to connect and share information with family and friends. My main reason for using Facebook was to keep in touch with old classmates. LinkedIn is targeted to making “professional” connections. Members post their resumes and other accomplishments on LinkedIn, and most people I know use LinkedIn to collaborate with other professionals or to look for jobs.
While LinkedIn is perceived as a more professional site, I have to say that I find Facebook more accessible. For example, I found a guy to fix my fishing reel through Facebook. He promotes his products and services through Facebook instead of a website or LinkedIn, which makes sense from a business perspective. Facebook has been around longer and (I’m guessing) has more users and followers than LinkedIn. So if you’re going to promote your business, Facebook is a great way to do it.
That said, I find there are a lot of business people and professionals who are not on Facebook. Attorneys, insurance agents, and others are on LinkedIn. This could be because LinkedIn is perceived as a more professional site, and it could be because so many people have heard horror stories about things posted on Facebook that have cost someone their job.
My wife loves watching the show Project Runway. One of Heidi Klum’s signature lines from the show is, “In fashion, one day you’re in, and the next day you’re out.” Technology is the same way. Facebook may be more popular at the moment, but LinkedIn appears to be growing in popularity. I guess time will tell whether LinkedIn or Facebook come out on top.
The big difference is the purpose of each site. Facebook has long been promoted as a “social” networking site to connect and share information with family and friends. My main reason for using Facebook was to keep in touch with old classmates. LinkedIn is targeted to making “professional” connections. Members post their resumes and other accomplishments on LinkedIn, and most people I know use LinkedIn to collaborate with other professionals or to look for jobs.
While LinkedIn is perceived as a more professional site, I have to say that I find Facebook more accessible. For example, I found a guy to fix my fishing reel through Facebook. He promotes his products and services through Facebook instead of a website or LinkedIn, which makes sense from a business perspective. Facebook has been around longer and (I’m guessing) has more users and followers than LinkedIn. So if you’re going to promote your business, Facebook is a great way to do it.
That said, I find there are a lot of business people and professionals who are not on Facebook. Attorneys, insurance agents, and others are on LinkedIn. This could be because LinkedIn is perceived as a more professional site, and it could be because so many people have heard horror stories about things posted on Facebook that have cost someone their job.
My wife loves watching the show Project Runway. One of Heidi Klum’s signature lines from the show is, “In fashion, one day you’re in, and the next day you’re out.” Technology is the same way. Facebook may be more popular at the moment, but LinkedIn appears to be growing in popularity. I guess time will tell whether LinkedIn or Facebook come out on top.