Celebrating thought leaders and Creators

A colleague and I were invited to an event some time ago for content creators and while it sounded exciting, something bothered my heart.

The organizer said "LinkedIn people don't create content" so they don't need to be recognized and this particular social media is not important. Well, I guess she was right because the definition of her social media is different from ours.

See, if you don't know the purpose of a thing then abuse is inevitable. So what then do people do on LinkedIn?

Here's where I get to break it down.

1. Create content: Content can be messages past in different forms, to inform, educate, and entertain, so for instance this article you are reading is content to inform you about LinkedIn Local Bootcon . It can take different forms from videos, articles, posts, or even live audio or video streams.
2. Share thoughts on subject matter: The reason why someone is a thought leader is because they share an opinion about a certain topic. For instance Emmanuel Samuel ?? is a Technical recruit here on LinkedIn and shares articles, videos, and posts on recruitment and human resources. Therefore you can say he is a thought leader on a subject matter especially if many agree with his opinion. [Oh by the way; he is one of our speakers].
3. Reach Prospects and Customers: Some products are designed for organizations. This means if you are selling a software solution then you want to meet some of the key people like their COO or CIO who can purchase your product and there are two major places to meet them Twitter or LinkedIn. Also if you sell training or learning programs you are not exempted.
4. Function as your online resume: There is a chance that a good number of places you apply to will request your online profile like LinkedIn. I had a friend who was told to share their LinkedIn profile at the embassy. Obviously, he does not even remember his profile on LinkedIn. As we say here " One day bush beat will catch the hunter"
5. Build your personal brand: Personal brands are trust builders and open doors to opportunities because it is not every time you have to beg or solicit gatekeepers to meet people. Think of it as a pull strategy rather than a push strategy. That is why you see posts like" I got a DM for a gig". That is a pull strategy.
6. Recruitment: Before now, this was perhaps the only reason many opened accounts and abandoned them, believing that their prayers would be answered by having only a profile picture and experience. it works for a few but a well-optimized profile attracts people. I can tell you for free that one of the reasons I accept connection requests is based on how you look and feel in your profile picture. [Is that superficial, Yes!]. That's life.
7. Build company culture: If you tell me that your company is the best place to work and I haven't seen your staff talk about it on LinkedIn, I would doubt even if it is for show or PR stunt. Companies get more culture street cred by how employees reach online. How are you being represented online? Is that TikTok post on sharing chocolates enough to build cultural awareness?

This and more are reasons why it is still relevant to stay on LinkedIn but I believe that is not in itself enough. Why not find a way to inspire all these folks who have done well and others don't see them for what they do?

Here's where we come in LinkedIn Local Bootcon

We have created special categories of nominees; so if you are a nominee then you are a winner and recognition is not by votes. This means you don't need to canvas for votes.

The categories will span across content creators to individuals and businesses who are contributing to the LinkedIn communities. Think of it as a Headies award for LinkedIn or Grammy's for LinkedIn.

As a nominee, you can pick up your nomination for free only at the end of the main event at the LinkedIn Local conference in November in Lagos. [for those asking where it will hold].

Lastly, I know this all sounds exciting but all these beautiful things don't come for free. If you would like to support do send me a DM or leave a comment and I will reach out to you.

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