Twitter on a Tear but is it a Career Enhancer?

The article in Social Times said Twitter Roars Past 14 Millkon doubling in one month. Predictions that it will reach 50 million users by end of 2009 are no longer far fetched. As a social communications tool, it has caught fire. How come? 

At a webinar on the ins and outs of Linkedin.com  I delivered yesterday to MBA alumni from a major Southern California University a question came up about the difference between Linkedin on one hand and Facebook and Twitter on the other. The focus of the attendees and the webinar was on how to use Linkedin as a social media tool to enhance a job search, build a network and grow your career.

Interesting the way the person paired off the comparison because it was very appropriate. On one side is staid, formal, structured, professionally presentable Linkedin and on the other side there is, well, the online equivalent of TED, Burning Man, Oprah and infomericals for Chamwow all kluged together. 

The difference is clear and simple. You want to talk to people and make new networking contacts, promote yourself or your business then you need to be Tweeting on Twitter. You want to extend the conversation and create a closer bond then move your Twitter friends to Facebook to show them  photos, videos, write on walls,share stuff and have communal conversations.

But if you want to look good professionally then strut your stuff on Linkedin. Fill out your profile, add some apps, join groups and ask pithy questions. You will shine on Linkedin but casually and informally chatting people up and subtly building relationships is not encouraged so go Tweet.

Tweeter has the amazing versatility to be big or small. It brings intimacy to conversations with the cool and famous, and revels in the totally mundane. You can follow me at @CareerTweets or @pattiwilson for more frequent updates than my blog. And I will follow you back...that's the etiquette.