There’s a lot of talk about social platforms and how using them increases your return on investment so I wanted to point out exactly what your investment could be. With FaceBook, there are over 500 Million users and while most people use Facebook as a method to keep up with their friends, more and more businesses are turning to the largest social media platform to engage customer awareness and even seek out new hires. Facebook is free to use so your investment is your time…Let’s talk about LinkedIn, the largest Professional social network. LinkedIn could be considered the key that unlocks the door to your next career move and potential job-seekers are using LinkedIn in many ways. By the way, LinkedIn is also free- your investment again is your time.

If you are growing your professional network, LinkedIn might be your answer. The similarities between FaceBook and LinkedIn are great but there is more than meets the eye.

  • LinkedIn offers introductions similar to FaceBook
  • LinkedIn offers endorsements- FaceBook offers “likes” or “fans”
  • LinkedIn offers company profiles- FaceBook offers business pages
  • LinkedIn offers jobs that you can apply for without “liking” or becoming a “fan”
  • LinkedIn has apps- FaceBook has apps

A lot of similarities between the two but here is the BIG difference…the professional network verses the social network.

Facebook is a social network service and website launched in February 2004 that is operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. As of July 2010[update] Facebook has more than 500 million active users. Users may create a personal profile, add other users as friends and exchange messages, including automatic notifications when they update their profile. Additionally, users may join common interest user groups, organized by workplace, school, or college, or other characteristics.

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 80 million members and growing rapidly. LinkedIn connects you to your trusted contacts and helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals.

Ultimately it is up to you which one would be a higher return investment but if you are looking to catapult your professional network and launch your business, LinkedIn just might be your answer!