Early this morning, LinkedIn sent me a survey asking about my views and experiences with InsideView and PeopleMaps. They happen to be two of my most recommended sales web tools that every sales person should be using. I write about each of them and include both frequently in presentations I make.
LinkedIn wanted to know how often I use the tools, but also how it impacted my use of LinkedIn.
- Does my use of InsideView trigger notifications affect how often I go to LinkedIn?
- Does my use of PeopleMaps change the frequency and purpose of my LinkedIn use?
The answer to both was yes.
I do not know what will ultimately happen between these two excellent companies and LinkedIn, but I encourage all parties to keep exploring the possibilities. Whether as an integrated App like Slideshare or as an outright acquisition like Cardmunch, LinkedIn is on the right path.
Late last year, I was presenting a webinar in conjunction with Focus.com and Craig Rosenberg, Leader of Focus Expert Network and Funnelholic.com author about Sales web tools and he asked me what trends are coming down the path with web tools. My one word answer – Aggregation. Aggregation of capabilities and of companies.
Earlier this week my friends at Gist announced they had been acquired by Research in Motion (Blackberry). Jigsaw was acquired by Salesforce.com. Twitter rumors of acquisition by Facebook are heating up again. LinkedIn has filed their IPO. Momemtum is building in a big way. The big boys get it. They want in on the action with this generation of powerful and affordable sales web tools and social tools.
Aggregation! It is the next wave.
What combinations of companies/capabilities would you like to see?
