While the numbers are virtually meaningless, other than to say that I am an active user on LinkedIn, they impart a feeling of shared success. Not only does this kind of statement allow users to feel like they had something to do with helping LinkedIn reach this milestone, it creates a sort of hidden obligation to help LinkedIn reach their next milestone.
When we see that we have done something and it is in writing, it is hard for us to rebut the fact that we have done it. Regardless of my feelings toward LinkedIn, the fact that I was ranked in the top 10% for profile views implies that I am a fan and use it frequently. By reminding me of this fact, LinkedIn is quietly urging me to stay consistent with this statement, and to continue helping them.
It also serves to change my mindset. Before this "award" I didn't feel like I was a power user of LinkedIn, and truly I'm not, but it does have a way of making me feel like I'm doing better than I thought I was.
Opportunities, like this, to slightly alter the attitude of your fans, followers, users, and customers are gold. You increase ownership and gain commitment to help you achieve your next goal.
Are you missing an opportunity to align your customers with your goals?
Supposedly I am in the top 1%. I felt it was a dubious ploy to get me to purchase a paid account instead of the free on that I currently have.
ReplyDeleteCertainly there will be users who see (and feel) this message from LinkedIn for what it is; a ploy to call on the social pressure of staying consistent with the statement that you helped them get to where they are.
ReplyDeleteWhether it is an increase in paid account signups, an increase is connections being made, or just an increase in the long term activity of users, I would bet on LinkedIn getting the desired result.
p.s. I won't say congrats on being in the top 1% because that would just play into their strategy :)