Brand and Business

I'm relatively active in social media. It suits me as an introvert who likes learning, information and connecting with people. And in my opinion, social networks are excellent strategic brand development tools when used wisely. People often ask me about the difference between LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Right or wrong, these are the distinctions I make:

LinkedIn is the business suit.

This is really where I show my professional side. I connect with other professionals, all interesting people. My updates directly relate to what I’m doing in my work. I would say that some of my personality is there, but the tone is more at arm’s length than Facebook.

Facebook is old jeans and flip flops.

While I have some “friends” I only know in a business context, I treat Facebook more as my personal social network. Here I talk about my kids, (attempt to) say clever things and keep up with personal friends.

Twitter ranges widely from jammies to silk suits. But for me and many of my friends, it is mostly business casual (which for me is nicer jeans and better shoes.)

I have significantly more friends and followers on Twitter than the other two networks. And I imagine it as the place between LinkedIn and Facebook. I talk about my personal life and my work. I have conversations with people I’ve never met in person. I learn a lot of interesting information - some useful for business and some not. [Our accounts: Element Three, Nila]

By the way, I also participate in a number of other social networks, including Smaller Indiana and I use the Ning platform for private social networks.

So, should these tools be part of your online brand strategy? Maybe. Don't just do because everyone else is. Include social media if it makes sense in your overall strategic marketing plan.