How Do You Use Social Networks?
When it comes to social media, most people feel like it is an all or nothing initiative, and they become overwhelmed and hesitant to enter. I firmly believe that each social network pertains to a specific goal. Sure there is overlap, you may be friends with someone on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, and connect with them on LinkedIn but each serves its on purpose. An individual or company needs to know what they want to gain from social media and tailor their use accordingly.
As time has increased since college graduation (Mizzou), these divides seem to be growing. I try to use a little bit of everything. I’ve dabbled in YouTube, Digg, and Reddit but don’t use them on an everyday basis or even a weekly basis. I do however try to use Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Foursquare, and GetGlue daily or at least a few times a week.
Below is a detail of how I use each.
Facebook – Mainly used to keep in touch with people from grade school, high school, and college that I don’t see/talk to very often or developed a close friendship with. I share videos and pictures with the friends I talk to most that I think they will enjoy but 95% of the time it is posted directly to their “wall”. I “like” a few companies as well.
Twitter – Used to share thoughts, ideas, and opinions with others both locally and in other parts of the U.S. I’ve developed connections with people that I would have never met otherwise, and find that people are generally easier to approach and start a conversation with. I’ve also discovered new sites to visit and have enjoyed reading what other people have had to say. I believe it is infinitely times easier to communicate with a brand or product I enjoy through Twitter and to gain a sense of a company’s culture.
LinkedIn – Most of my connections are people that I know through school or Twitter. I feel this social site is used a lot by spammers looking to crowd my email with their newest product trying to sell me their business (especially the Groups section). I use LinkedIn to build my professional network and to stay current on businesses that have made my short list of dream places of employment.
Digg/Redditt – I don’t share stories and articles I’ve come across, but like to find interesting things to read that I wouldn’t have otherwise.
GetGlue – I enjoy this network immensely and honestly don’t know why more people don’t use it. I’m able to share the media I consume, see who else has similar likes and dislikes of movies, tv shows, books, music, and video games, and get recommendations from them that I probably wouldn’t have found surfing the web. You also earn awesome stickers.
Foursquare – I was a little iffy about joining, but have enjoyed my experience thus far. I would have used Foursquare before, but I wasn’t able to with just my iTouch. I’ve come across new places to visit and try thanks to check-ins and tips from friends mostly from Twitter. I get to see how often I frequent stores and locations. After seeing how often I go to the movies, I feel like it would be better to just open up my own theater.
YouTube – I watch videos. Plain and simple. I’ve posted to the site before but unfortunately don’t have the itch to create video to share.
How do you use your networks? Feel free to drop me a line below or @chrisjschmidt.
Thanks for reading.
