Facebook boasts 2.5 BILLION monthly active users; and as of the fourth quarter of 2019, 248 million of them lived in the United States and Canada.
LinkedIn’s numbers aren’t in the billions but they’re just as impressive. One hundred and fifty-four million American workers have LinkedIn profiles – the U.S. has the highest number of all users. Two professionals join the network every two seconds!
While we’re on the subject, did you know CURT is active on both Facebook and LinkedIn? Our business pages are filled with essential industry details, including links to must-read articles, specifics on upcoming informational and networking events, introductions of new members, and innovative ideas on how you can combat industry challenges like workforce shortages, building overseas, and knowledge transfer to the next generation of construction professionals.
If this piques your interest, please link up with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Now, let’s explore WHY you should be connecting with industry on these two social media platforms.
Following On Facebook Can Lead You To Success
While Facebook is one of the older social media networks, it’s still a thriving platform for businesses that want to boost brand awareness and professionals who want to connect with peers in their industry.
Yes, Facebook is a much-used medium for sharing photos of pets, kids, and vacation activities, but don’t sell it short – it’s also a powerful tool that you can use to stay on top of industry trends and the latest news from companies you do business with (or want to do business with).
Facebook groups also exist that are specific to industries or challenges and admins often screen participants to ensure that members are focused on the group’s area of focus. There are groups specific to contractors, architects, using lean practices, building in certain regions – honestly, there is a group for everyone (including COFFEE, COFFEE, COFFEE with 100,000 members!). And if there isn’t one that fits your topic, it’s incredibly easy to create a group, invite your peers, and get the conversation started.
Now, a word to the wise, the line between social and professional networking can get blurry on a platform like this so knowing when to draw it is critical to advancing your professional network. If you’re going to use Facebook for business knowledge and advancement, always be mindful of the content you’re posting, sharing, and liking. It takes seconds for someone to screenshot and share your interactions, and there are stories all over the web of people being fired for actions their bosses deemed inappropriate.
Connect With Millions Of Connections Using LinkedIn
More than 500 million members, in over 200 countries, have created profiles on LinkedIn. It’s the largest business-orientated networking website that is geared specifically to professionals. Your professionally-written profile provides you and/or your business with an online brand that can open doors to opportunities and networks that you may not have been aware of.
The benefits of LinkedIn are almost endless. Businesses can easily connect with vendors, suppliers, and manufacturers, and can scope out their pages and connections before sending an InMail to officially reach out. A connection in common gives you an instant reference to speak with and the content a business page is sharing provides an in-depth overview of what that company is all about before connecting personally with someone on the phone or in person.
On a personal level, building your own brand with a LinkedIn profile showcases you and your talents to a worldwide audience. Consider your page an open resume to the world even if you’re not actively seeking a new job. Potential business partners may find your page in a Google search and decide to reach out (or not!) depending on how your page showcases your job history and skills. Potential new employees may scope out your profile before deciding to apply to an open job position. And potential companies you’re trying to do business with will almost certainly scope out your personal and business page before signing a contract.
Your LinkedIn page is a resume that can be viewed by anyone, anywhere, at any time – make sure it represents your best you!
Like Facebook, LinkedIn groups are a great way to connect with your industry to have dedicated discussions about business-focused topics. Yes, some groups are solely used for self-promotion, but great groups do exist and there’s always the potential for you to create and moderate your own. Here’s an overview of how to find groups that interest you.
Make sure to connect with CURT on LinkedIn before you click away from this article!
Greg Sizemore, Executive Vice President
Gregory Palmer, Director of Events & Internal Operations
Rob Fischer, Director of Membership
Ronna DuBro, Member Relationship Manager
Kyle Kosco, Marketing Manager
Daniel Groves, Director of Special Projects
We look forward to connecting with you in cyber space soon!
CURT’S MISSION IS TO CREATE A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE FOR CONSTRUCTION USERS. CURT ACCOMPLISHES THIS MULTIFACETED OBJECTIVE BY PROVIDING AGGRESSIVE LEADERSHIP ON THOSE BUSINESS ISSUES THAT PROMOTE EXCELLENCE IN THE CREATION OF CAPITAL ASSETS.