About the Author: Wendy Townley is an Omaha-based writer, author and blogger who holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s degree in communication, both from University of Nebraska at Omaha. Later this month she will join The Steier Group as a campaign manager.
You can find Wendy on Twitter, @wtownley, or contact her by email, wendy@wendytownley.com.
(Photo from twitter.com)
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Social media has become a two-headed beast that roars and whispers each and every day. At times, Facebook and Twitter are quite annoying, really. I find myself lacking the willpower to turn them off, log out and walk away. My eyes glaze over as I absentmindedly scan the thoughts, photographs and recommended reading from people I will never meet in person.
Cradling my iPhone, my finger does the walking while everyone else does the talking.
But there are times, of course, when I am glued to social media, longing to feel a sense of community. That happened Wednesday night, upon learning of the passing of the great Steve Jobs. I stumbled upon CNN, but immediately dropped my remote control and picked up my iPad. I wanted to join the conversation of the fans and fanatics who were mourning the loss of our differently thinking hero.
That’s what makes social media so special. Which begs the question: But what about LinkedIn?
Since becoming more of a working professional who still likes to be creative online and share silly photographs, I have often wondered where LinkedIn plays into my online world. Those older than me have found a home in LinkedIn, while I am slowly seeing its value and its place in my networked world.
My perceptions on LinkedIn changed, for the better, after a recent episode of “Charlie Rose” on PBS. Rose’s round wooden table was flanked by executive chairman and co-founder Reid Hoffman and CEO Jeff Weiner.
Hoffman crystallized for me the rational of being active on LinkedIn, even while maintaining busy Facebook and Twitter accounts (2:43): “Why do you need an office when you have a house? Why do you need a suit when you have sweat clothes?”
Hoffman, of course, understands the grand generality of this statement. However, his and Weiner’s comments throughout the 22-minute interview provided me with a new perspective on LinkedIn, as well as the duo’s take on the future of mobile technology, social media and the web.
After watching the interview, offer your thoughts on LinkedIn. Is it viable? Is it valuable?
To view the video, visit charlierose.com or click the image below.
Screenshot from charlierose.com
