Beyond Vanity metrics: Chp 4. The Online Editorial Diary

When four people like your article or post on Linkedin, what do you do? Wonder why me? Or ask yourself what went wrong? Because the words are clever and the images are good but the engagement is ???. Welcome to Linkedin and the real world of making a genuine impact. 

While it is easy to go viral on other platforms, one needs to have nerves of steel to go genuine on Linkedin and express your actual views (barring political and religious). So what to you need to do to get genuine advocates?  

1)Be genuine

You did not work so many years in your industry to hide behind corporate speak. So put forth your point of view. On your industry. On what you see around you. On your passionate ideas for change. That is when you connect to real people in the corporate world who hear the same Piper as you. And maybe, even join that journey with you.

2)Be Community-oriented

It is easy to play safe and stick to your known circles and contacts. But in the long run, we belong to a wider community and society. That goes beyond gender, race and religion. And that is why topics like inclusion and diversity have started creeping into the corporate world. It is true that in a world of being politically-correct, we stand a risk that we will step on many minefields. But hey, welcome the difference of opinion where you learn as much as the person who disagrees with you… Be a Thought Leader

3)Go beyond vanity metrics

Take time to research and write. It is worthwhile to take an extra effort to make your words count. Linkedin is a platform with 700+ million professionals. Who have been there, seen that and done that.

Your standard templates and stereotyped lazy posts will work other platforms. But not here. So roll up your sleeves and write what needs to written. About your industry. About the planet. About people and what makes them stay awake at night. And what solutions you could provide and add some research to validate that. They do not come online to see you but what you have to say. Videos work too. It does not always have to be a blog but even videos have sub-titles today. So make your words count when you start sustaining your digital footprint.

Maybe, you will inspire someone to change their career. Solve a professional or even personal problem. That is huge today. In a world turned topsy-turvy with a pandemic and businesses in turmoil, if you impact the life of one person then you have made a far greater impact than getting 1000 followers. Be bold as a Thought Leader of your times. Go beyond vanity metrics.