1) Is LinkedIn a good social networking tool for professionals? Why?
In various reviews of social networking sites, especially Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, it could be deduced that LinkedIn is a good social networking tool, especially for professionals (Executive's Guide to Social Networks, 2016; Chansamooth, 2014). As learned, LinkedIn has increased ability to connect professionals and business practitioners whose objectives focus more on attaining business goals. As emphasized, “the general expectation for LinkedIn is business” . Likewise, statistics revealed that “LinkedIn operates the world’s largest professional network on the Internet with more than 313 million members in over 200 countries and territories” . The information attests the application of the social integration approach, where “communication sees mediums as sites for shared ritual experiences that construct social worlds” (Wrench, Punyanunt-Carter, & Ward Sr.: Media and Community, 2016, par. 3). LinkedIn embodies the epitome of a business world where business experiences are shared, as deemed needed, for professional growth.
2) How is LinkedIn different from other social networking platforms like Facebook or Twitter?
LinkedIn is different from other social networking platforms, like Facebook or Twitter, in terms of the depth and breadth of its business contents . In addition, the demographic profile of LinkedIn was noted as follows: dominated by college graduate users, where approximately 79% are noted to be within the age range of 30 and above with income levels of more than $30,000 per annum .
3) What did you learn about the types of conversations that are happening in your chosen field?
The types of conversations that are happening in one’s chosen field upon the creation of a Linkedin profile is the focus of the conversation and communication on meeting various business objectives. For instance, there were conversations and inquiries regarding expanding one’s career path or determining opportunities in various ventures. Moreover, there were opportunities to include essential information on one’s profession as a tool to promote the business one is currently involved in.
References
Chansamooth, A. (2014, August 25). Why LinkedIn Is the Most Powerful Marketing Tool of the 21st Century. Retrieved from The Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anfernee-chansamooth/why-linkedin-is-the-most-_b_5706017.html
Duggan, M., Ellison, N. B., Lampe, C., Lenhart, A., & Madden, M. (2015, January 9). Demographics of Key Social Networking Platforms. Retrieved from Pew Research Center: http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/01/09/demographics-of-key-social-networking-platforms-2/
Executive's Guide to Social Networks. (2016). Comparing Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter for Developing Business Relationships. Retrieved from executivesguide-socialnetworks.com: http://executivesguide-socialnetworks.com/comparing-facebook-linkedin-and-twitter-for-developing-business-relationships/
Wrench, J. S., Punyanunt-Carter, N., & Ward Sr., M. (2016). Organizational Communication: Theory, Research, and Practice. Flat World Education, Inc.
