Connected Circles

As we welcome 2025, we reflect with gratitude on the successes of the past year, achieved through hard work, seamless collaboration, and the unwavering trust of our clients. Your partnership inspires us to aim even higher in the year ahead. ? As a multicultural team spanning the Netherlands, Germany, France, India, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine, we thrive on the DIVERSITY of: - the personalities we support, - the industries we elevate, - the strategies we craft, - the content we create, - the messages we deliver, - and the world we share. We are deeply grateful to the leaders who have trusted us as their LinkedIn partner - some for over five years - and look forward to meeting new inspiring personalities this year. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of meaningful connections and impactful conversations. Here’s to growth, prosperity, and new possibilities. Happy New Year from the whole Connected Circles Team! ??

Join Connected Circles as a Data Specialist! We're seeking someone data-driven to power the future of stakeholder interaction. Thrive in an international team and enjoy our flexible working culture. At Connected Circles, we believe in the impact of human-to-human interaction powered by data. We use data insights to cut through the noise and identify the most effective content for the right audience. Join us on our mission to disrupt how leaders communicate with key stakeholders in the digital age. Ready to take the leap? ?? Read our description and apply now ?? https://lnkd.in/eziC3dcW #DataSpecialist #JoinUs #Job

?? Celebrating Growth & Learning! ?? We are thrilled to share that several of our team members have recently achieved LinkedIn certifications! Earlier this month, Maria Mlocka, Audrey Toole, Priyanka Sharma, and Mylena Pierremont successfully completed the LinkedIn Fundamentals and Content and Creative Design Certifications. This enriching event was facilitated by Sopna Nair, Raffaella Vota, and Lenneke Speelman. It was a valuable opportunity for our team to validate many of our insights on the platform, explore exciting new features, and understand the direction LinkedIn is heading. As an organization dedicated to empowering leaders and their brands to thrive on LinkedIn, this learning session further strengthened our expertise in leveraging the platform for success. A heartfelt thank you to the LinkedIn team for your hospitality and for making this experience truly impactful! #LearningAndDevelopment #LinkedInExperts #TeamGrowth #LeadershipVisibility

?? Have you seen 100s of followers disappear from your LinkedIn profile overnight? ?? You're not the only one! And no, it’s not because your last post was that bad. ?? LinkedIn recently made a change that’s behind the sudden drop in follower count for many of us. Here’s what happened: ?? “In order to better support LinkedIn members and contributors with more reliable engagement and reach insights, restricted and hibernated accounts will no longer be included in the total number of followers and connections listed on a member’s profile.” Translation: all those accounts that have been asleep for years (you know, the ones who joined LinkedIn back in the day and haven’t logged in since?) are being removed from our follower numbers. So, if you noticed a sudden dip in your follower count, relax! It’s not because you posted one too many motivational quotes or overdid it with the cat memes ??. It’s just LinkedIn doing some housekeeping, giving us more accurate numbers. The good news? The followers you have left are the real ones—those actively engaging with your content and not just collecting dust. ?? Let’s embrace this leaner, meaner follower list and know that quality always beats quantity! Marcel Molenaar #linkedin #linkedinupdates #growth

? Is relying on generative AI for content creation a way to soften your brain? If you rely on it too much > yes. If you use it as a smart tool > no. We asked ChatGPT, and it didn’t take long to reply (a few seconds for sure). ? "Excessive use could make users less inclined to exercise their own creativity. The brain needs critical thinking and problem-solving exercises to stay sharp." We couldn’t agree more. ???Creative minds have highly interconnected brain networks, allowing them to combine information in innovative ways. They need regular training and practice. The less you challenge your brain, the slower it performs. Taking a taxi every now and then is handy, but you still need to walk to stay in shape. Neuroscience studies show that AI can create cognitive shortcuts, reshaping how we retain and generate information. That’s why it’s essential to keep our minds actively engaged (1). Creativity is human : reproducing that same depth of emotional insight is almost impossible for AI. The role of human intelligence is indispensable for creating content that’s authentic, unique, and powerful. This brilliant tool is here to stay, but that doesn’t mean we should turn over every task to it. Machines won’t fill in for skills we haven’t developed. AI is a a support to guide with intelligence. ? So let’s think, read, analyze, dream, write... Staying creative is how we stay at the top of our game. (1) Bonus article on the brain and creativity: https://lnkd.in/eRiubGWW #content #humanintelligence #AI

Many believe scaling a business is all about driving sales. While sales are crucial, sustainable scaling requires a more holistic approach.? ? ??. ????????????????: Ensure your mission, vision, and purpose are crystal clear, both internally and externally. Strategic planning must operate across four levels:? ? - Corporate: The overarching business strategy? - Business: Strategy tailored to each business unit? - Functional: Strategy for different departments? - Operational: Day-to-day strategy execution? ? Each of these should align with principles of agility, innovation, and rapid decision-making to stay competitive in evolving markets.? ? ??. ?????????? & ??????????????????: Sales should be seen as part of a broader outreach strategy, integrating both organic (relationship-building, content) and paid (targeted campaigns) approaches. Focus on the channels that drive the most value, then reinvest to expand into new areas. Build partnerships, leverage client referrals, and optimize lead generation methods for consistency.? ? ??. ??????????????: A core responsibility of leadership is financial health. Track cash flow meticulously, ensure every resource is maximized, and resist the urge for unchecked growth. Growth at all costs often undermines profitability, so every decision should be data-informed and financially sustainable.? ? ??. ???????????????????? & ????: Scaling requires more than a good product or service – it demands a high-performing team. The ability to hire, train, and retain top talent becomes a critical differentiator. Engaged employees fuel innovation and drive results. Leadership should focus not only on attracting talent but also on creating an environment where they can thrive.? ? ??. ???? ??????????????????????: AI isn't just a buzzword; it’s a tool that can exponentially increase efficiency when used properly. Educating your team on how to adopt AI solutions that streamline operations and make data-driven decisions is key to staying competitive. Encourage a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.? ? The reality is, as you scale your business across these key areas, staying connected to your people, the evolving ways of working, and the shifts in culture are just as critical as the strategies themselves. Leadership requires more than setting direction – it requires having a pulse on how teams and processes are adapting in real time.? ? This is where platforms like LinkedIn become invaluable. By regularly engaging here, you can share your insights stay informed about new trends, industry shifts, and best practices from peers. It’s a powerful way to ensure you're continuously learning, innovating, and staying relevant as you scale. #scaling #growth

??Why Video is King of LinkedIn Content - Here's the Truth?? Obviously, everyone is going on about LinkedIn engagement, right? You have probably heard it all: "Post daily!" "More hashtags!" "Tag influencers!" But here's the secret weapon you are probably not using enough: video. At Connected Circles, we dove deep into posts from 2023-2024, and the results? Video consistently gets 3x more engagement than any other format, averaging 250 interactions per post. You know what that means? It's time to stop playing so safe with text and images. Video is where it's at. So, why is video ruling the game? Let's break it down: ?? Boosted Engagement: Video catches the attention of your audience, makes them stop the scroll, and pulls them in. ??From Cognitive Science: Our brains are wired for visual content! Video grabs attention faster than text or images. ?? Boost Retention: Viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to just 10% from reading text. More retention = more impact ?? Building Trust: Text is great, but video? It gets folks like, "Hey, I know you." ??Human Connection: Video allows for emotional engagement. People relate better to faces, voices, and emotions—whether it’s a brand story or a product demo. ??Clarity: Have something complex to communicate? Simple-Video ?? Brand Awareness: The more video that you create and publish, the more your brand stays top of mind. ?? Easy Consumption: Your audience can multitask while watching your video-instant gratification. ??Visibility: Videos get prioritized in the feed so you get more eyes on your content. Today's digital landscape is saturated, and text and images just can't compete. And if you're not putting yourself on video, you're already behind. ? What's your method with video? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s explore your video strategy together and level up our communication game! #VideoMarketing #ContentStrategy #BrandAwareness #LinkedInGrowth

As we bid farewell to summer, it’s crucial to reflect on the immense value of well-deserved holidays. This summer, the well-travelled team at Connected Circles scattered across the globe—France, Italy, Croatia, India, and beyond - immersing ourselves in diverse cultures. Summer is a time to relax, reconnect with family and friends, explore cultural treasures, savor delicious meals, laugh, have fun, and create new, cherished memories. ?? Taking time off is more than just a luxury; it’s a necessary investment in our mental well-being. Stepping away from our routines fosters creativity and boosts productivity. A refreshed mind is better equipped to tackle challenges and innovate. As we transition into the final quarter of 2024, let's use this positive energy and make the most of these months of the year together. We are ready to support our clients and future collaborators. Together we can make this a wonderful return to work, filled with exciting projects and impactful engagements. Mylena Pierremont Priyanka Sharma Audrey Toole Anne Leray Apurva Das Sandrine Ehrmann Maria Mlocka Matthieu Vermeulen Natalia Zolkowska Roza Karimi Michel Guichard #worklifebalance #wellbeing #productivity

Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a hidden health crisis that profoundly affects our well-being. Recent findings underscore a shocking reality: by 2050, climate change could result in an additional 14.5 million deaths and $12.5 trillion in economic losses. The health implications are staggering: - Mental Health Crisis: Research indicates that 25% to 50% of those affected by extreme weather events suffer from anxiety, depression, or PTSD. - Respiratory Issues: Air pollution exacerbated by climate change is linked to approximately 7 million premature deaths each year. - Increased Mortality: According to the World Health Organization, climate change could lead to 250,000 additional deaths annually between 2030 and 2050 due to malnutrition, malaria, and heat stress. While the statistics paint a grim picture, there is hope. Companies like The Nature Conservancy, BASF Agricultural Solutions, and Cargill are leading the way in supporting regenerative agriculture, which can mitigate climate impacts and promote long-term health. Acknowledging the intersection of climate change and health allows us to foster resilience, promote sustainable practices, and support each other in these challenging times. Any organizations you want to highlight for their efforts against this hidden crisis? Tag them in the comments. #ClimateChange #MentalHealth #PublicHealth #EcoAnxiety

As we bid farewell to summer, it’s crucial to reflect on the immense value of well-deserved holidays. This summer, the well-travelled team at Connected Circles scattered across the globe—France, Italy, Croatia, India, and beyond - immersing ourselves in diverse cultures. Summer is a time to relax, reconnect with family and friends, explore cultural treasures, savor delicious meals, laugh, have fun, and create new, cherished memories. ?? Taking time off is more than just a luxury; it’s a necessary investment in our mental well-being. Stepping away from our routines fosters creativity and boosts productivity. A refreshed mind is better equipped to tackle challenges and innovate. As we transition into the final quarter of 2024, let's use this positive energy and make the most of these months of the year together. We are ready to support our clients and future collaborators. Together we can make this a wonderful return to work, filled with exciting projects and impactful engagements. Mylena Pierremont Priyanka Sharma Audrey Toole Anne Leray Apurva Das Sandrine Ehrmann Maria Mlocka Matthieu Vermeulen Natalia Zolkowska Roza Karimi Michel Guichard #worklifebalance #wellbeing #productivity