What I Learned About LinkedIn By Uninstalling Facebook

I took Facebook off my phone the other day because Jacq pointed out that I seemed to spend quite a lot of non-work time on it. She wasn't complaining. She was asking me to audit myself. And damn. She was right. So I pulled the app off my phone. And in its place, I stuck LinkedIn, which I've really mostly neglected over the years.

Here's what I learned.

People Use LinkedIn in Weird Ways

Hey, I'm the first one to tell you to use the tools however you want. But your funny cat videos and lols usually lead to me disconnecting from you. I just can't imagine that we're going to get around to doing something.

AND YET

I'm also turned off by HOW stuffy and overly professional people act on here. It's like there's a ruleboard somewhere that I can't see and that board says, "For Buddha's sake, you've GOT to act like you're making a CEO level announcement at a podium at all times."

There has to be a place in the middle. Not exactly lols but not four score and seven years ago. (Is that just me?)

I'm also getting a bit tired of inspirational quotes. That might just be me. But I don't know. If I'm coming here to pick up some business wisdom and connectivity, I'd rather hear what YOU have to say than some quote we probably have both read.

Facebook is More Conversational

LinkedIn people tend to push "like" and keep moving through content. On Facebook, a lot more comments seem to flow. When we share a story or a piece of our own information, others interact with it more on Facebook. On LinkedIn, I see thumbs.

LinkedIn is Still Text More Than Video

Blame it on the algorithms, but Facebook is heavily visual. It's easier to make and distribute and share video there. It feels more alive because of this. I'm not sure what I hope for in this regard. Do I want to see LinkedIn get more videos? I hope they make it easier to MAKE video here easily. Or at least take the files. That would help. As the world shifts faster and faster to more visual interactions, that's important.

I Feel Like We Could be "Clustering" Better

There's got to be people on here who want to learn more about blockchain and about AI and voice interfaces and innovations in corrugated cardboard shipping methods. I know this is supposed to be Groups. But youch. Most groups are still fairly hidden away, full of people ready to salesambush you, and it doesn't feel much like we cluster around shared interests as easily here.

I Could Be Wrong

I feel this more than ever. When I go to business networking events (rarely), they feel like LinkedIn in real life. A lot of awkward attempts at networking, a little small talk, and a few predators trying to attack a business opportunity.

I just wish that I felt the platform was more idea-first. Now that I'm here a bit more, and focusing here a bit more, I just want more. Do you?

Chris Brogan is a business advisor, author, and has a new video news show. His goal is to help companies improve buyer interactions. Learn more at https://chrisbrogan.com