Yesterday I was going about the process of updating and ordering new business cards, so I decided to ask this of my Twitter Followers and Facebook Friends: “Do you have your social media URLs on your business card? Which ones? Twitter? Facebook? Linkedin?” Obviously, this is more for people who conduct their own business, rather than for those that have jobs, but sometimes not. Quite often people have both.
As expected, I received a variety of responses. Among them, @zjjtrans mentioned that he will put Linkedin on his next card, as it’s more for for business. @hjortur has included his blog, Twitter and Linkedin URLs. Barry Saunders said he just has his Skype name and website URL, as he doesn’t want people to start with his twitstream. @FabianPatterberg said he doesn’t have any on his card yet, but believes Twitter would be the most useful, and that having Linkedin on your card sounds a bit needy, and Facebook too private.
In short, each to their own. I think whether or not you want the extra URLs on your business card really depends on HOW you are using each profile. If you use them mostly for business purposes, like in the case of a Facebook Page for your business or organisation, then you are most likely going to want them on your business card.
I think many people use their social media profiles for a bit of both, as I do (with the exception of Linkedin). With the rise and rise of a more social, human web, the line between personal and business is becoming fairly blurred online these days. How often do people send you private workârelated Facebook or Twitter messages now? For me, it’s quite often. People know I use them both for work purposes so they feel comfortable doing this.
I think it’s also worth pausing to ask yourself: if people Google me for work purposes, what are they going to find? Is it going to help me in business, or hinder? I know quite a few people who use different usernames on Twitter for their more personal and candid musings.
For the record, I’ve put my mobile number, email, blog, Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin URLs on my new card. What’s your take on the whole crossover between personal and business on the social web?
