The Power of First-Person in Your LinkedIn Profile

After attending an enlightening presentation by my colleague Liz Sobe Robinson+Cole this past weekend, on LinkedIn tips and tricks, I felt compelled to share a game-changing takeaway with my network: If your profile is written in the third person, you're making a big mistake.

Why Third-Person Narratives Fall Short

Writing your LinkedIn profile in the third person can create an unnecessary barrier between you and your audience. It often feels impersonal and detached, making it harder for your connections to feel a true sense of who you are. Here are some compelling reasons to reconsider:

• Authenticity: Third-person narratives can come across as scripted and artificial. First-person writing, on the other hand, exudes authenticity and sincerity, allowing your personality to truly shine.
• Engagement: People connect with people, not with distant descriptions. When you write in the first person, you invite your readers to engage with you directly, fostering a genuine sense of connection and rapport.
• Clarity: Third-person profiles can sometimes lead to confusion about who is actually speaking. Using the first person eliminates any ambiguity, making your LinkedIn profile clear and straightforward.
• Trust: Personal, first-person narratives build trust more effectively. Your network is more likely to relate to you and feel confident in your expertise when you communicate directly and personally.

Encouraging a Personal Connection

To truly maximize the impact of your LinkedIn profile, consider these tips for writing in the first person:

• Speak from the Heart: Share your passions, goals, and experiences in a way that is uniquely yours. Let your enthusiasm and commitment come through in your words.
• Be Relatable: Use language that is conversational and approachable. Imagine you are having a one-on-one conversation with a potential connection or employer.
• Highlight Your Journey: Talk about your career path, achievements, and lessons learned in a narrative form. This will help others understand not just what you have done, but how you have grown.
• Call to Action: End with a friendly invitation to connect, collaborate, or engage in conversation. This encourages networking and opens the door to new opportunities.

By shifting to a first-person narrative, you can transform your LinkedIn profile into a dynamic tool for personal branding and professional networking. Let's all take a step towards making our profiles more engaging and personable.

?? What do you think? Have you noticed a difference when reading first-person vs. third-person profiles? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Full disclosure: I changed mine while drafting this article. Check it out - https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/jmerrifield/ and lets connect!