Will McCain Vote For The Best Candidate On Linkedin.com?
April 12, 2008
Linkedin.com receives a lot of criticism as a social media technology; I've heard anything from, "it’s a board for job hunters,” to “I just don’t understand what it’s for”. For me the value of linkedin.com is the answer tab, where you can ask your contacts and the Linkedin.com community questions.
I've asked numerous marketing questions and received 25-30 answers, which is a response that I’d have to admit is a lot better than my blog. I also think those questions reach a broader array of people than most blogs. People who answer questions do so to compete to be voted the best answer, as the person who asks the question can choose the best answer, and the winner receives accolades and recognition within the Linkedin.com community, there is a ranking page, and on every member’s page you are recognized as a best on a topic. The best in topic factor gives people a big incentive to answer questions.
Today I noticed a question from John McCain, the Republican candidate for President:
“What is the biggest challenge America faces?
Our country is faced with challenges as we enter into the 21st century. I am prepared to effectively deal with these challenges and lead our country as President on Day 1. Please let me know what you view as the biggest challenge America faces and how you would like your President to address this challenge.”
So far McCain's question has received over 1700 answers. His question is a great way for candidates to interact with voters, yet I wonder how John McCain is going to select his best answer? And if he should? I'd say yes he should, one because that's part of the culture of how Linkedin.com works and two, selecting someone’s answer would be an opportunity to pinpoint an individual voter's opinions about what needs to be done next after the election, which would spark further discussion.
Marketing is all about listening to customers and the community, gaining feedback; Linkedin.com gives companies a big opportunity to ask questions of their wider community and the ability to spark a wider discussion, even among competitors.