I often wonder why SN provider are so reluctant to use this chance (for them, for the member, for whom ever) and install a research / test lab and screening room open to anyone to volunteer and/or make their opinion heard. Why keep SN provider all data so closed, just for themselves (and often it seems from the outcome, they don't even look at path to success) - and any publisher / plattform should be without, either.
Sample Representing User Connection within the SN
Anderson Analytics studied users on LinkedIn and identified four major types of LinkedIn User
Savvy Networkers (est. 9 million) are likely to have started using social networking earlier than others, are more tech savvy, and more likely to be active on other SNS sites like Facebook. Savvy Networkers have the most connections (61 on average) and are more likely than other segments to use LinkedIn for a wide variety of purposes other than job searching. Savvy Networkers have the second highest average personal income ($93,500) and may often have the word “Consultant” in their job description.
Senior Executives (est. 8.4 million) are somewhat less tech savvy and is using LinkedIn to connect to their existing corporate networks. They have power jobs, which they are quite content with, and are likely to have been invited by a colleague, and then realized how many key contacts were on the site and started building connections (32 on average). Senior Executives have the highest average personal income ($104,000) and have titles such as Owner, Partner, Executive, or Associate.
Late Adopters (est. 6.6 million) are likely to have received numerous requests from friends and co-workers before deciding to join. They are somewhat less tech savvy and are careful in how they use LinkedIn, tending to connect only to close friends and colleagues and have the fewest number of connections (23 on average). Late Adopters have the lowest average personal income ($88,000) and have titles such as Teacher, Medical Professional, Lawyer, or the word “Account” or “Assistant” in their job description.
Exploring Options (est. 6.1 million) may be working, but are open and looking for other job options often on CareerBuilder.com, perhaps in part because they have the lowest average personal income ($87,500). They are fairly tech savvy and use SNS for both corporate and personal interests.
More from this study here (PDF)
Here the (very simple) Questionnaire, in case you want to find out what label you are wearing (according to this study).
P.S.
My LinkedIn Profile
