Recently I read a blog called, “Snapchat is for business what LinkedIn wishes it could be.” Snapchat is the new kid on the block. The shiny new object with substantial hype and excitement, but before you go ditching other social networks entirely consider the following:

Snapchat

• is typically casual & relaxed (although, if you speak with avid Snapchatters it there seems to be increasing pressure to monetize!)
• makes starting conversations easier (you don’t have to waste time on the right words, you can send a snap of a picture, voice message, in addition to a quick text.)
• is a place to exchange ideas with people freely in a way you can’t on other networks (visually, sound bites etc.)
• breaks down barriers (reach people around the globe; different time zones, geography, cultures, backgrounds, industries.)
• requires attention in a timely manner (if someone sends you a private snap, you’ve got to look at it within 30 days or it disappears; alternatively, you have 24 hours to watch stories.)
• you can’t search for people to follow within the app itself. Connections and friends are typically vetted. (Most of my Snapchat friends are people who were recommended to me. With that said, there are complimentary apps like Ghostcodes, Snapdex and Boo Manager that act as a directory for Snapchatters.)
• Snapchatters rely on cross-pollinating their social sites to get people over to their Snapchat
• Is not user friendly, initially.

LinkedIn

• is still the direct path to B2B decision makers
• has a strong search ability (industry, company size, worth, location, employee #)
• allows you to better understand your people (clients, prospects, partners)
• is a ‘safe’ site for professionals
• allows your content to be stored, searched, shared easily
• allows you to find content & engage easily
• allows you to keep track of the people you connect with right in the social site (*notes like how you met, connections in common, etc.)

So when it comes to business, instead of ditching LinkedIn entirely why not consider a duo approach and cross-pollinating your social sites? Show your LinkedIn connections what you’re up to on Snapchat (they may be relieved to head over to a more casual environment.) And alternatively, when you’ve nurtured and grown a relationship on Snapchat (and the time is right) either ask them to consider visiting your LinkedIn or website or whatever social site has all of your business intel.

The last line in the blog read:

“So the next time you want to connect with someone in the business world or have your next mastermind, or maybe answer some questions about your business or products think Snapchat instead.”

I would revise to say, “So the next time you want to connect with someone in the business world or have your next mastermind, or maybe answer some questions about your business or products, think about adding Snapchat to your communications arsenal.”