mnicona

As someone engaged in social media strategies I have to disagree with you to an extent

I totally agree that Facebook has begun to encroach on the business space, but not in a true 'business' sense and not to an extent where it adds anything more than cheap marketing opportunities. It's also not proven and still very early to even state that it's an effective business tool (some exceptions may well exist). There has however been numerous instances where the crossover of facebook and business has lead to diluted brand experience as well as the fact that it's opened up a can of worms in regards to showcasing peoples 'private' life in a business sense....not something most people want to do.

Alan2005

What does that actually mean?

I did actually have a linked in account - in 2003 till about 2007. I had about 30 or 40 people as contacts, of those I knew personally about 3. I never looked anyone up or added anyone - only responded to invites when people added me. But that was it - it was just a list of names that I never did anything with. In 2007 I decided to have no internet presence under my real name, so I deleted my account. I take this seriously and check every now and then that google or the other people searches can't find me. One unexpected benefit of this is that those climbing the corporate greasy pole can't use me as a resource to help them advance their careers.

mnicona

You're very cloak and dagger about life aren't you! Also, I'm sure in your career (if you had or have one) you leveraged the support of others to give a helping hand. Linked In is also not just about building a career, it's about being able to connect with people in organisations who can help grow a business (i.e. identify the appropriate person to discuss partnering opportunities, general advice, possible clients etc). There are many uses, but you obviously had no need for Linked In, which is fine....again back to my original point....just because you see no value doesn't reduce Linked In or other similar site to complete useless tosh for others.

Almost Canadian

Sure, I have a website and, much to my surprise, I actually get a fair number of clients through it. I stand by my initial comments about LinkedIn which were, essentially, I find it amazing that someone would rather trust any issue to someone met online than they would through a meeting in person.

mnicona

And that's great that you have the luxury to meet face to face. Personally I need to build up connections abroad, I use Linked In to help do this then I connect through the phone or skype etc. Face to face can then be done via video conference if you so require. Unless you have an endless budget to jet set around the globe, your not telling me that all business is created face to face....that's extremely naive!

I should also point out that to be fair, many of us could be using the web for many different reasons and business needs....therefore Linked In isn't a tool to necessarily add value to your business. Face to face, local and very narrow industry focus may well do well without tools like Linked In....still doesn't mean Linked In isn't a powerful and useful tool to others.

dbd33

What do you sell?

mnicona

Services not products.

dbd33

Marketing through nu media such as linkedin?

mnicona

Nope not marketing....more along the lines of specialist consulting services that companies either don't have the skill set in-house, or need to bulk up what they do have etc. Linked In allows me to stay in touch with contractors I can leverage, it allows me to seek out new contacts that I may want to work with, it also allows me to pin-point prospective clients and direct my communication to the appropriate person. It's been extremely valuable, but like all things only if used in the correct manner and with respect for others.

Alan2005

I've called in favours owed I guess, but I don't think that's what you mean.

The fact that you are engaged in social media strategies makes you a bit of a VI (I did wonder what your connection was). Social network strategy seems to be all about monetizing the user base with ads and micro-transactions - is that what you study?

I've got a report about the demographics of twatbook game players - it's target audience is those trying to extract as much cash as possible from it's users by any means possible.

mnicona

Funny you should mention that....as over the years I've had people comment on different industries and try to demonstrate the lack of morals in each.

I worked in the financial services industry for the best part of 10 years, during my time we did our very best to ensure 'sub-prime' customers were marketed to to attempt to lock them into more and more debt. Game design companies develop games promoted by Nike and co who still have sweat shops in third world companies. It doesn't matter what industry you're in, there's always a question of morals. Business is about making money right? If people are willing to spend, and you identify a niche, then that's just plain success in my eyes.

Unless you work for a non-profit org or charity foundation....you really can't say that you're not 'extracting' money (whether right or wrong) from customers!

Also, being involved in SM strategies is a very minute part of what I do, so my opinions are just as relevant here. Not even sure I know what VI means actually...lol!

Alan2005

sorry, vested interest. I don't really have an opinion on the morality of how operators of social networks make their money. They are a tool for the owners to generate an income stream from their users - nothing wrong with that per se as it's how this website operates. Though I do get the feeling that operators of social networks, new media sites, app store developers etc believe that internet ad revenue is somehow infinite.

mnicona

Couldn't agree more!

Well I suppose the fact that Google Ads alone generated USD$23 billion in revenue in 2009 shows that there is actually money to be made, and in my eyes a very viable business.

readytomove

I've always worked in online marketing/ social media type stuff and sites like twitter and facebook can have a huge impact on the business world. Brands especially need to be taking note of what is said about them on these sites and manage their online reputation. If someone is dissatisfied these days they don't write to the CEO of the company they complain online.

LinkedIn however I still fail to see the value in beyond a space to post your resume and for recruiters to find you. I have a linkedIn account that I logged into for the first time today in probably about a year and actually updated my profile. It still said I lived in London and worked for my old company, so no more relevant or up to date than if I was handing out old business cards.

Souvy

I now understand why boardroom bingo was invented.

FWIW, my job is all about networking. All my best contacts have been made in hotel bars and outside smoking areas.