Why do people connect on Facebook before LinkedIn for professional networking?

The year 2009 has brought many new trends and changes to our everyday lives.  With the increased popularity of social networking for professionals, this so-called “trend” looks like it’s here to stay.  In early 2006 I was introduced to my very first social networking site, LinkedIn.  Since then, I’ve used social networks not only for professional purposes such as lead generation and relationship building, but also to explore the many resources that are available to us by the information that others have to share.  Since Facebook has grown in popularity over the last couple of years, I’ve found more and more people tend to connect to me there before they send a LinkedIn invite.  Everyone uses these two sites for different reasons.  For me, I use LinkedIn as an open networking platform connecting to anyone who invites me.  As long as there is some kind of communication exchange so I know that they are a valid professional and someone I can network with in the future.  Facebook is something I use for people who I have met in person or have done some kind of business with.  Both of these sites are used for personal and professional connections because I mix business and personal relationships often.  Due to my extensive involvement in non-profit work, and being self employed, it makes sense for me.  Though for whatever reason, when I think of professional social networking, I immediately turn to LinkedIn.  It surprises me when I get a Facebook invitation from someone that I’ve never met, yet on LinkedIn, it’s perfectly acceptable.  I’ve often wondered what motivates other people to connect to someone on Facebook over LinkedIn.

So about a month ago, I posted the following question on my LinkedIn and Facebook profile: “Why do people connect on Facebook before LinkedIn for professional networking?”

Here is a list of the replies: (names omitted)

• You’re right! This question came up when I sent 66 LinkedIn requests out to people I was connected to on FB. All of which sent me that request…
• I think it depends on where people have their 1st social media account – some start out on FB & some on LI.
• People like to stalk out pictures, even for professional connections. Human nature to be nosy maybe?
• I use Facebook, but only to connect with family and friends. I really don’t believe Facebook is appropriate for professional contacts.
• Speaking from a recent college graduate’s perception it is just much easier to connect using FB because that’s what they’ve been using the past 4 years.  LinkedIn is new to them and can be intimidating.
• Facebook seems easier to communicate with people, because their friends maybe more used to communicating through Facebook than LinkedIn.
• I’ve never understood LinkedIn. It seems like a giant phone book to me, but I probably just don’t know how to use it! ALSO…and for me this is huge – I like knowing a little about the people I’m doing business with. Facebook gives you a lot more insight into who someone is, rather than just what they do to earn a paycheck. My two cents
• When you find out the answer to that let me know because personally I find it to be rude. I know that others have said it on FB already but it is especially worse when people friend you on FB and don’t even bother to introduce themselves.
  I write back and say: “Who are you, and how do I know you?”
  It baffles my mind that people aren’t utilizing social media tools properly.
• NO idea…. this would not be my route. I have very few professional contacts on my Facebook and i prefer it that way!
• Several times, professional opportunities have grown from FB and LinkedIn was used for a new introduction.
• It is not so clear cut for me.  I have a number of contacts on LinkedIn that are not on twitter or FB.  As I develop a deeper relationship with someone, I often move from LinkedIn to FB.  However it also depends on where the contact originated.  If the initial contact was via twitter…the next natural progression is often FB since twitter is more social than LinkedIn.  Then from there, I move to LinkedIn.
  

These replies helped me to understand that just like everything else in the social media world, there are no set guidelines or rules.  There are no experts on this subject matter and there never will be.  Though this has, and will continue to create controversy, this is the beauty of social media and social networking.

Diversity.

Difference of opinion.

Ability to be oneself.

Continuous change.