Twitter and LinkedIn combine for business effect

11 Nov 2009

Business social-networking service LinkedIn has joined forces with micro-blogging phenomenon Twitter to make it easier for users of both to cross-file updates and keep up to date by checking their inbox on either site.

With 50 million users, LinkedIn is the largest professional social network on the planet and is used by professionals to broadcast their CV, share ideas and stay in touch. Nearly 80pc of US businesses now use LinkedIn as their primary recruiting resource.

Twitter is the social-networking phenomena that allows people to say what they’re doing or thinking in 140 characters or less.

“You’ll be able to set your professional status and display more fresh content on your LinkedIn profile via Twitter,” said Jenna Dawn of Twitter.

“And, showing your stream in places off of Twitter.com will connect you to even more people. Shared interest in tips, news, leaders and perspectives can thrust conversations into virtual brainstorms and even business opportunities,” Dawn added.

LinkedIn co-founder Allen Blue said the new feature that will allow LinkedIn and Twitter to work together will roll out in the coming days.

“The idea is simple: When you set your status on LinkedIn you can now tweet it, as well, amplifying it to your followers and real-time search services like Twitter Search and Bing,” said Blue.

“And when you tweet, you can send that message to your LinkedIn connections as well, from any Twitter service or tool,” Blue added.

By John Kennedy

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com