An interesting story from Paul Chaney on the use of Twitter and LinkedIn to help him with information.

I am only a recent Twitter user but have already found it invaluable. Like Paul I needed some help. In my case I needed extra case study and background information to help a presentation I was asked to do at short notice. I put a request out with both LinkednIn and Twitter. My first response was on Twitter within 30 minutes. That was done publicly and I am sure helped some of the further contacts I got. In total I had 6 responses on Twitter. All provided details of subject matter experts or access to published research. A couple of people replied direct to me via my Twitter account.

LinkedIn had seven responses. 2 direct as they were from people already in my network but I had not thought to contact direct. 2 were sales in nature - companies pushing their software solutions - they were OK but not quite what I wanted. The others were good. The first LinkedIn response was with me in 4 hours. The others came in over the next 4 days.

Conclusion:

• Twitter wins for speed of response
• Twitter wins in terms of non-selling and just linking to other experts
• LinkedIn wins in terms of knowing more about the source of info (click through to responders profile)

Both worked. I would use both again but allow more time for LinkedIn. Twitter is fast.

I am not sure why but I never even thoought of using Facebook! I will next time.