Peter N.
Does your resume/CV get you job interviews? Send it to Career-Resumes.com for a free resume review.
Has LinkedIn lost some of it's appeal?
My questions are getting plenty of answers (thank you!) but it seems like people aren't spending as much time on Linkedin answers and groups like they were six months ago. Is that because of the summer, or because there is too much going on with Twitter and Facebook (distractions)... or because LinkedIn is becoming less important?
Good Answers (32)
Adam B.
Technical Support Manager at Valley Services, Inc.
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I think Linkedin has a valuable place in the social networking world, that I can't be replaced with Facebook or Twitter. There are lots of people I'm connected to on Linkedin that I wouldn't want to connect with on Facebook. While I value their professional relationship, I don't know them well enough to share details of my personal life with them.
I also think the "level of familiarity" you need to have with a person to add them to your Linkedin network is much lower than that of Facebook. For example, I can add someone I've met once to my Linkedin network without thinking twice (as long as I established a connection with them - for example at a conference).
I try to read the Information Technology and Facilities questions once a day, and answer the ones where I can provide helpful information. I think one thing that could drive participation with questions is ensuring that the poster returns and rates an answer as a best answer. This could probably be done with a followup email from Linkedin a week or so after the question is closed.
Lastly, I found Linkedin extremely valuable when I was job searching. It was nice to be able to look at potential interviewers and learn about their background. While I wasn't successful, it was also nice to try and reach out to contacts through your network.
One other thing to keep in mind is the people who answer here (or even view this question) are likely already using Linkedin extensively.
Not to me. I think LinkedIn is my source for all my "business" news where Facebook is more for my "social" news. I think people take LinkedIn more serious than they do other social networking sites because its so business-centric oriented.
Patricia P.
Principal at Pitsel & Associates Ltd.
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I suspect that two things are at work here - a lot of work to do for everyone, but second, after 6 months, the novelty has worn off. Ever wonder how many blogs were started and then discontinued? Starting is easy - hanging in is tough.
Pat
Sahar A.
Diversity& Inclusion|Leadership training|Social Media Marketing|Social Media Training|Public Speaker|Culture Competence
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Peter:
Not to me I think the people that really understand the importance of LI dont quit actually increase in their time spent on LI as FB and Twitter are meant just to create a presence more or less and get interactions depending on the type of business you are in
LI will always be LI and whoever misses it will realize down the line what they are doing.
But if someone gets on LI just because it is the hype or is a novelty then they didnt get on for the right reasons and they will soon quit it
Or may be had more time on their hands before got hired so they have less time, or companies are putting more strict policies about using LI or getting busy with the children around their finals or summer time
There are many reasons but I believe the die hards of LI will always be here and LI will never loose its appeal unless a better network gets to the surface so far there are none
Frank F.
►CEO/Bd Director ►IT Governance Advisor ►Future-Proof Strategy ►Keynotes ►Inno-Change ►Social Media Mktg ►China Advisor
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Novelty wears off for most people.
Summer doldrums hit all networking sites, always has.
Some people take a break and then return.
I don't think it has lost its appeal.
But this feature is being degraded by:
1. Question and answer "connection-building spam"; and
2. Answer-every-question-even-if-I-know-nothing-about-it
"gaming of the system" responders.
One of My page, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, has turned into a commercial venture for various spammers and Alumni alike, actually selling or trying to sell something at any point in time. We've been cleaning out the spammers, but to me it's this "commercial" use for advertising and marketing by others that ruins it for me.. it's like reading your email inbox and its full of Spam vs something you need or want to read.
Heather V.
Tutor, Teacher, FR-EN Translator, Editor and Trivia Writer
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Linked in is enormous yet, it may tend to lack vitality for some because they haven't used it the same way they would use other networking sites. This is only natural of course as others have said. You don't want to use this network like Facebook and vice verse. The question and answer section here is a starting point for interchange for many people but it is a more static type of communication in that you must phrase your answer well as it's a one time thing and not as much of a dialogue. The groups are a better place to discuss things as you can post in a conversational tone.
I think that Q and A may have lost some visibility when the new interface was created here as it's not as easy to find for a newcomer. I understand the need for space and after all, we have access to an enormous network of people here, but traffic to Q and A may have decreased since then.
One thing I've noticed on the net since its inception is that it's like a social event after all, people are not always up to public contact except by degrees.
Rich D.
Superhero, RECESSitator, Chief Cook & Bottle Washer, Risk Taker, Problem Solver
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Peter,
I look at it this way............The people who have vanished may have found this not to be a great tool or found a few real connections and moved on.
But as for all these people who spend all day here and tell you it is the best thing since sliced bread; I just want to know how they have so much time to spend on LI if the connections they have made here are radically changing their business.
To put it bluntly. Those who are really working are not spending a heck of a lot of time here.
Taylor E.
Holistic Business Strategist that helps you balance business with life and succeed in both!
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I think Linkedin is very important. I spend a lot of time on here. The one problem which has reduced quality in my opinion is the connection of Linkedin to Twitter. I've seen more non-relevant status updates to this site because of that connection.
Taylor
Joyce F.
Social Media Tutor | Enrollment Advisor | District 26 Toastmasters Social Media Chair| Networker *Extraordinaire*
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Peter, keep in mind that a lot of people may be reading these questions in the Answers section and/or in their groups but just not commenting.
On a daily basis I swing through the postings in the categories of Answers that are of most interest and relevance to me. I also regularly check the postings in the 2-3 groups where I am most engaged.
Often I don't post anything myself if I feel that those who have already posted have brought up the things I would have said or if I don't have enough background in the topic of the question to add to the conversation.
I do agree with the other posters that some people probably do drift away from this Answers component after they check it out for a few times, and time of the year does make a difference as well.
Marian N.
Entrepreneur, Business & HR Consultant
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Hi Peter,
I think the reasons are quite varied for individuals as you have highlighted. For some, the novelty has worn off. For others, they just haven't got the time/found the time to spend on LinkedIn, some are on holiday, and others feel the need to share ideas, knowledge and experience on LinkedIn by asking and answering questions. I for one have no problems spending time on LinkedIn to answer questions that I'm interested in and networking with fellow professionals.
Ed H.
Wordsmith with proven ability to translate business objectives into communications strategies and tactics
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Peter, I think that these things are cyclical, so part of it is certainly seasonal, as you suggest. I don't think other forms of social media are detracting: LI is certainly more approachable than Twitter, based on the conversations I've had.
But no, I definitely disagree that LI is less important.
i find LI hugely useful and contribute and ask for contributions in equal measure. one of the challenges is when people actively try to sell their services, hard to take their views as objective. The major issue however is that LI has no credentials validation system. fine, if people are 2nd degree in your network, you can check them out, but when people post answers - whether in this section or in Groups, its hard to know how expert the person who posted the answer is in their subject area. Lastly I am hugely busy but LI genuinely helps me in my research, the least I can do is answer other people's questions in return. Isn't that what building a community is about?
Martha R.
Website developer who can turn your ugly duckling site into a beautiful swan. Also an author who's seeking an agent.
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I'll admit to being one of those people who's very goal-oriented when it comes to social networking. I'm hoping to find connections with whom I can do business. As in, they patronize my studio or I patronize them.
So far, I've been quite impressed with the talent I've found here. And that's with my spending a spare minute here and there. I don't have time to spend my entire day here. After all, there's work to do.
If people are indeed withdrawing then it may also be that LinkedIn hasn't met their expectations from this communication channel. Some may perhaps have thought they'd be quickly found by head hunters and land lucrative jobs - or secure more orders for their businesses - and when that does not happen within the expected time frame, they may tend to decrease their involvement. At the same time, many businesses affected by the downturn do hire less and spend less, which enhances this effect. The question remains, whether LinkedIn can successfully counteract this trend as a "business advisory service". I suppose it could do better in this respect than just being a Q&A platform.
Alex G.
Marketing Ideas for Smart People
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I think some went to play with Tw and Fb. Others decided it's all about wasting precious time for nothing. Anyway, now on LI we hear and see too much noise. Plus it's now integrated with other platforms and all those "social" features, i.e. follows, likes made LI a part of social media madness.
Jesse D.
Strategist | Adviser
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LinkedIn is a highly respectable and professional site...
though "what's in it for me?" is not always the case,
people who gets into something, expects something.
Admit it or not, most people in sites like LinkedIn
either wants business or job... and so connect with others,
and ask and answer questions to make known they exist.
If people don't get results or don't see any movements,
they'd naturally look for alternatives.
LinkedIn has not lost it's appeal...
it's just that most people are still traditional.
Hope you do well, Peter.
Links:
Bernard G.
Programme, Project & Change expert
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There used to be a very visible link to "Answers" from the front page, but a few months ago LinkedIn removed this. There is now no easy and obvious way to get here so many won't bother, and new users may not even know this forum exists (or older ones may have forgotten).
Christine H.
Do you have your copy of my FREE Report yet? Get "Top 10 Linked Profile Success Secrets" now at: goo.gl/beKnU
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I think LinkedIn is fabulous.
Heidi T.
Editor at Wordsmith Pros
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LinkedIn Q&A is more difficult to access and harder to stay connected to. I crash out of most sessions. I used to spend more time looking over the questions and answers.
Sowmyanarayanan V.
Financial services -Operational risk,business continuity and information security expert
Too much work...
Tirumalai K.
Principal Scientist at Sanofi Pasteur - VaxDesign Campus
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Hi Peter,
Maybe my experience can help give some perspective. Six months ago I was not on LinkedIn. I joined 4 months back, at a time when they had already changed the interface and Answers was no longer easy to locate on the main menu. I didn't know any of that but found Answers nonetheless. I participate here regularly, and can't thank enough that I have this great, powerful, interactive networking tool at my disposal. By examining what and how we answer, and how and what we answer, we get to know each other so much better. Providing value in a forum like this helps engender trust and credibility. Trust and credibility are at the heart of relationship building. Relationship building is what a networking site like LinkedIn facilitates so what we do here at Answers is at the heart of networking, at least as per my definition of networking. Maybe some people who join LinkedIn do not understand this well or are not aware of Answers or are not comfortable/willing to take the time that engaging in such activity entails. Regardless, 1000s of questions are asked and answered here every week, and I'd imagine a few newbies like me are also discovering this forum somehow. I'd say this site and particularly this forum are likely to be stay relevant for a core group, if not for all the people who join LinkedIn, for the reasons I outlined.
Kamala
Clarification added June 8, 2010:
Sorry, it should read, "By examining what and how we ask, and how and what we answer, we get to know each other so much better".
Dave M.
Professional trade show booth traffic builder and party entertainer. Corporate and private sector events.
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Linkedin, especially the group and q&a forums is a bit like the wild, wild west. You never know what you're going to find here...
For some of us who put the time and energy into networking and participating, it gets us new clients...
For those who come here and do nothing, well,.. you get what you pay for, so-to-speak...
The biggest problem with Linkedin is that the owners of the site have no interest in listening to member suggestions on how to improve the site...
This is backward thinking, as if one doesn't listen to the very people who utilize one's service or products, disinterest follows...
LinkedIn has become very "spammy", without good user controls to really customize communication or block spam. Group discussion boards are full of spam as well. The overall feel of LinkedIn has degraded ever since many overly aggressive "social media assassins" have taken over the space.
No doubt, the initial hype around Linked-IN is gone (I think). At the end of the day, this was one of the first social media that appeared on air... However, I don't think it's less important. Not at all!. It's just getting mature. In addition, except IT and Telecom, the other industries are not very much present. But I expect the younger generation to embrace it soon.. I also expect Executive search companies to become more active on Linked-IN and, thus driving the usage further on..
As for Facebook and Twitter, people go there just to have fun and share emotions, pictures, etc. So it's natural that they spend more time there...
I think it is a combination of all of the above. I know that I certainly spend time on LinkedIn and Facebook (I don't Twitter), but there is just SO MUCH information that it's difficult to make time for all of it.
Ian R M.
Recruiter and Professional CV Writer
Best Answers in: Job Search (25), Career Management (18), Resume Writing (13), Staffing and Recruiting (7), Business Development (2), Using LinkedIn (2), Personnel Policies (1), Employment and Labor Law (1), Advertising (1), Sales Techniques (1), Organizational Development (1)
Great question - as always - Peter!
I think LI had a growth spurt in the recession. Lots of unemployed white collar executives globally, suddenly find old style "Cover Letter and CV/Resume" type job applications don't work, and here about the modern social media alternative. They don't want Facebook because their kids are there, so they seek the next thing - LI.
Secondly, LI has moved answers off of the top menu. Doh! That's what made LI work against the likes of Plaxo, etc. It brought LI alive - needs to be changed.
I also think there are more "Answers" now being posted in groups, and that is where the LI activity has in many cases switched to. I also see activity differences in group: job seeking groups are getting quieter, Asian business groups are getting noisier. I have seen similar patterns on other social media platforms.
So, has LI lost its appeal? No, its just changed like the market has, and within itself. What it needs to do is put the "Answers" tab back on the top menu.
With Best Regards, Ian McA
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Both Rick Mitchell and Jennifer Baty above hit one of the main reasons. LinkedIn Group Answers (called, irritatingly, "Discussions,") have degraded. They have become the hang-out of idiots and spammers who use "Discussions" to post their advertisements, sales pitches and links. A few group administrators are willing to control this nonsense, like Brian Carroll in his B to B Group, but very few.
Dave Maskin, however, hit perhaps the number one reason in his comment when he said, "The biggest problem with Linkedin is that the owners of the site have no interest in listening to member suggestions on how to improve the site... "
He's so right, and it's odd, really. Social networking sites like LinkedIn are the opposite of "social." Just try to call them, write to them, interact with them @tweet them or do anything to get their attention. Just one example, their search mechanism in Groups is so lame that we've written a couple of articles about it. Have we ever once been able to connect in any way with the mysterious and elusive folks at LinkedIn? Nope.
Lots of people say that "Social Networking is so new that anything goes because there are no rules." Such hogwash. Social networking is losing some of its appeal for the same reason that you might not continue to go to that lovely neighborhood park - when it starts to become the hangout for pimps and pushers.
Great question, Peter - and great answers. Perhaps the interactions here will give us hope. Thanks for asking.
I think that there is just too much going on inside Linkedin.
