LinkedIn over Facebook

What was Reid Hoffman thinking when he thought he could compare LinkedIn to Facebook? Facebook, a large phenomenon to the social networking world, is actually slowing down on “new” user audience. LinkedIn has been growing over 100% since March 2008. However, the group is slowing down like its competitors. Unlike its competitors, LinkedIn is more focused on the business and on the “professional” social networking. Many critics and observers have been comparing LinkedIn with many other social networking websites. However, you really cannot do this. Here is why:

1. “LinkedIn is too professional…that is why there is Facebook.”

Facebook is a general and social network. The site crosses between personal and business profiles, actual friends and business relationships, and funny and professonal social groups. Facebook is so general that it covers most of what LinkedIn performs for a user. What LinkedIn does provide is the business-like setting for “adults” to enjoy, and it seems professional. Instead of setting up an Intranet profile, you can set one up on LinkedIn and “feel professional”. A businessman does not want to come out of a conference meeting and request an employee as a friend on Facebook. He wants to show off his business profile on LinkedIn. So LinkedIn has the respect of most business people, but not the average person. Of course, Facebook wins on the number of users compared to the number of users on LinkedIn. But all in all, they are two different networks.

2. “LinkedIn is too limited and too boring”

Although you can link to Ivana Trump or Brian Cashman, this does not make LinkedIn more “cooler” than Facebook. There is a restriction on the number of connections and groups you can have in one LinkedIn profile. The website covers many features though, having the business you work with or work for. You can be proud, boastful, or excited about your business. You are personal and professional on LinkedIn, and you feel that way. Also, you don’t have to feel strange and awkward on a social network. LinkedIn has resume-like profiles, high-end ads, and professional web settings. Facebook is trying to change their website to overtake LinkedIn on the business perspective, but it won’t happen. LinkedIn and Facebook have made their trademarks and have found their niche.

LinkedIn will have their share in the market with professional profiles and business-like settings. There will be no competition between Facebook and LinkedIn because they are two different networks. Even though the websites provide the same service, they have two different target markets and two different nices. The two companies have become successful, and they have shown their success’ through the vast world of the Internet.