Though many new professional networks seem to appear with some regularity, I haven’t yet found one that would convince me to switch. There is of course the issue of your established network and even if you were to export all your contacts, you would end up losing countless business opportunities. Personally, LinkedIn has offered me an enormous wealth of information that would have otherwise resulted in the loss of business opportunities. I am contacted weekly by new customers that want to know more about SILK and that would have otherwise found it difficult to initiate a professional relationship with us.
It was no surprise to see then that the demographics of LinkedIn users reveal a community rich in quantity but above all, quality. According to a new study from market research firm Anderson Analytics, nearly 60% of the professional-focused social network’s users have high personal incomes and hold executive-level or consultant positions. The study also shows a strong correlation between personal income and profession and the use of LinkedIn. Users with personal incomes between $200,000 and $350,000 were seven times more likely than those below that level to have over 150 LinkedIn connections.
Other interesting data reveals:
- ± 28% of users have an average income of $104,000;
- ± 30% are “savvy networkers” – avg. income of $93,000;
- ± 42% were newer or more casual users with incomes of $88,000 or lower;
- ± 66% are decision makers or influence the decision process.
The study also identified the following four categories within the 30 Million Users Worlwide:
- Savvy Networkers (early adopters) [± 30%]
- Senior Executives [± 28%]
- Late Adopters [± 22%]
- Exploring options (perhaps in recruitment) [± 20%]
Interested in finding out which group you belong in? This is not rocket science however it will entertain you for a couple of minutes. You can take the “Your Social Network Type” quiz. You can download the report here courtesy of Anderson Analytics:
If you would like to join my network, feel free.
