Linkedin moves worth keeping eye on

When I talk in the office or to groups about social media platforms, I’m not real kind to Linkedin.

I understand its applications in the business world, but I have seen it as nothing more than a clunky, online Rolodex and a way to do online introductions.

With some news out today, I am reopening my mind to Linkedin (at least for the time being).

Mashable.com reports today that Linkedin has finally opened its platform to outside developers.  For social media folks could mean that Linkedin could be making the move from “black and white” to “color” finally following Facebook and Twitter into the more user-friendly 21st century.

And while it remains to be seen how outside APPS will transform Linkedin, the additional news that TweetDeck will be launching Linkedin integration later in the week.  For TweetDeckaholics like me, having Linkedin, well linked in, will only increase my use (and maybe others too) and understanding of how to incorporate the platform into personal and professional use for myself and my clients.

A personal aside, thanks to Judy Turk and Pam Lepley of VCU’s Masters Strategic Public Relations class for a chance to participate in a panel discussion on social media.  Always fun to see what others are thinking.