Admittedly, LinkedIn and Twitter are very different. Twitter is a great place to keep up with what is going on, to learn from others, to meet new people, and to keep in touch with others. I have met so many new people and learned so much and I have Twitter to thank for this.
However, no matter how hot or cool Twitter is right now, there are still things where LinkedIn is better. So here are 5 things that LinkedIn is better at.
Organizing a group - LinkedIn has a very robust group functionality. It gives you the ability to have discussions, post jobs, share relevant news, send announcements to members, and create subgroups. Twitter only has lists which really only allow a very basic group.
Understanding professional backgrounds - Since LinkedIn has what is very much like a resume, you have the ability to view the “resume” of almost any professional you meet. It helps to understand more about where somebody comes from and what they have done.
Searching companies - LinkedIn gives you the ability to search for companies including who you know that works there or (better yet) used to work there. I often look up a company that I’m starting to do business with and then call a friend that used to work there. Often I didn’t know they worked there until LinkedIn told me.
Find who knows who - LinkedIn makes it very easy to look at person and see who you both know. It says John Smith and you both share Mary Jones as a connection. How convient.
Recommendations - LinkedIn allows people to give you a recommendation for your work or vice versa. It is like a referrence for the world to see.
I’m sure I’m forgetting a few things but don’t write LinkedIn off. It can and is very powerful. What are your favorite tricks or tips for LinkedIn?
