100: How Linkedin Changed My Life
J.T. O'Donnell
Founder & CEO, Work It DAILY | Board of Directors, McCoy | Career & Professional Development | Job Search | HR & Recruiting | Employer Branding | Recruitment Marketing | Talent Management | Executive Coaching
I'll never forget the day I got the email.
It was short and cryptic. It was mid-September last year and it came from an editor at Linkedin. The email was all of two lines and said something like this,
"I'd like to send you some information about a new program we are working on at Linkedin, but I'd need you to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Would you be interested?"
Of course, I was intrigued and said, "Yes."
A month later, my first post on Linkedin was posted. I had just over 1,000 followers.
Fast forward to today...
In less than than a year, I've pushed out roughly 2-3 posts each week, all around the subjects of job search, career development, and leadership. This one makes 100.
I've had people rip me to shreds....but made a ton of new friends!
Writing for Linkedin, I learned quickly the comment section was a hotbed of activity. The best was someone who said I didn't deserve my Irish last name. (My husband actually got upset over that one since I'm Irish by marriage. It made me love him that much more!) On the upside, I've made more new colleagues in one year than I could have ever imagined. 195K+ and counting. Let me tell you: I wouldn't change a thing!
In fact, I never dreamed one of my more personal posts would be one of the most read. You can see it here: 10 Things I Do Every Workday.
For some reason, 100 feels BIG to me.
I felt like this post should be special in some way. I racked my brain to write something original. I wanted to give my readers something special. And then, over this weekend, I realized I didn't want to write anything, I wanted to inquire something instead:
What career questions remain unanswered for you?
You see, I want the next 100 posts to be 1000% better than the first. Which means, I need to do an even better job of answering your questions, addressing your concerns, and basically doing whatever it takes to get you the tools, resources, knowledge and insights you need to get ahead in your career.
That's why I'm writing for Linkedin. That's why I'm here. That's what I do.
So, tell me readers...What do you want answers to?
I may not be able to answer them all, but for the next year, I'd really like to do my best to try to give you what you need.
I look forward to your questions and concerns in the comments below.
Thank you in advance for telling me what you want to know!
Sincerely,
JT
P.S. - First time reading my posts? Thanks for taking the time to stop by! Not only do I write for Linkedin, but I'm also founder of a popular career advice site,CAREEREALISM,and currently run the career coaching program,CareerHMO. I hope you'll check them both out!
If you want to read more of what I've written, check out my articles on Inc.com.
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CAREEREALISM’s Founder, J.T. O’Donnell is a nationally syndicated career expert and workplace consultant who helps American workers of all ages find greater professional satisfaction. Her book, CAREEREALISM: The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career, outlines her highly successful career-coaching methodology. Purchase her e-book of CAREEREALISM for only $9.95 by clicking here !
Image above by Shutterstock
CEO at HGG Inc. LLC
9 年I read your posts weekly and enjoy the topics. Thanks for being on our side!
SAP Professional | Warehousing & Logistics | Supply Chain Management | Life Sciences | Education | ASUG Carolinas Chapter Chair
9 年I can only imagine what it's like trying to improve on what you have already posted, because I have found it to be the best career information available. Having followed your advice and working with CareerHMO, I feel like I have a clear direction now and am a lot less worried about my continued marketability, although I will never take it for granted and always continue to view myself as a "business of one". And I just finished sending a note to a colleague with career concerns recommending that they start following you and check out the services of CareerHMO.
Global Supply Chain Analytics Management
9 年JT - I am glad you decided to take on the task. Your advice has been invaluable for many people that have asked me for advice. While I may not necessarily agree with everything you post, I do find an overwhelming majority (maybe 99%+) to be sound advice and understandable. Please keep up the excellent work and knowledge sharing!
International Trade Specialist at USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
9 年J.T. - I only very recently discovered your posts but am thoroughly enjoying them. Thank you and keep them coming. And to answer your question: perhaps some career advice for folks that are in the public sector? While a lot of the advice you provide is very applicable to all industries, the public sector does have it's nuances. You don't have to look far....In fact, even writing a Federal resume is quite different than what one would write in the private sector. I've done both. Just my $0.02.
Award-winning IT Director of Partner Development recognized for building high performing dynamic partnerships
9 年Never listen you the negative hype. Stay the course. "There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself."