Do we really have to say this again?
I feel like I've written this article before. I love Linkedin. It's a respite from the noise and flame wars everywhere else where I can focus on my career, business, revenue etc. It's been especially helpful in these days when we can't meet at the office coffee machine. As of late I feel like the vitriol and venom here has gotten to Facebook levels. Once again, here are a few more tips that in my humble opinion will make your (and our) Linkedin experiences more valuable and enjoyable. We are all here to discuss our business lives. Let's see if we can keep it to that.
DO write about things that affect your business: Please keep your posts to things that are relevant to you and your community. You can gain/give insights about how you feel about a specific industry by doing so. It's why we are here.
DON'T post about things that mean nothing to your career: If you're a graphic designer and are posting opinions about politics, the medical crisis, religion, abortion, gun laws, and/or beliefs outside your career's purview, you will lose clients, jobs, and respect. It doesn't matter what side you are on. What matters is you have decided to bring your personal issues into a business forum. Unwise.
DO be polite and civil: There is a book called "All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten ." Buy it. Read it. It's a great way to remind yourself that what we learned as kids we sometimes forgot as our egos and senses of entitlement grew through adulthood. Like Patrick Swayze says in Roadhouse, "Be nice."
DON'T be a grouch: I am as guilty as anyone of getting into a foul mood but I try not to take it out on my Linkedin colleagues. I get it. Times are hard. You have several other platforms you can go rant on. This is not the place.
DO talk up people and like their achievements: Promotions, new clients, new jobs, career changes, graduations, and certifications are all cause for celebration so like, share, and promote your colleague's/company's/industry's achievements. It will come back to you. I promise.
DON'T tear people down: Even in situations where someone is acting like a jerk or posting something you disagree with, I swear to you it isn't worth your time to tell them or the community how you feel about it. Scroll past. Unfollow. Block them if it's an extraneous stream of negativity. Taking time (which is the only resource we can not replenish) to be the voice of righteous indignation is a massive waste and the only thing you will accomplish is possibly a moment of personal validation that won't further your business goals.
DO be a generous with assistance: If someone reaches out for help, a recommendation, advice, help them. Again, I swear it will come back to you. I had an intern years ago that became a Sr. Executive at one point. I helped them when they asked for a connection and a recommendation to a hiring manager who I knew. That intern has helped me on several occasions since.
DON'T be a miser: I am not saying you need to answer every sales-pitch, spam message and connection request, but when it comes to people you have worked with, don't be miserly with your ability to help out.
DO know your audience: People here on Linkedin are in most cases connected by career commonality. The most value you can offer is understanding what we are interested in and sharing/commenting on this.
DON'T be over-zealous: I have a real estate guy up in here that won't leave me alone. I don't block him because we have mutual friends but I have communicated several times that I'm not his target. Even worse are the people sending me coaching and crypto offers. I appreciate the hustle, and am not against people putting out their wares for review, but no most definitely means no on this platform.
I am not perfect by any means. I have gotten annoyed, angry and saddened by people's posts. I've been "that sales guy." I have had some knee jerk moments. Let's be honest - we are coming on two years of living on our last nerve, but I try. I really do. Maybe we can all just try a little harder and unclench a little. That's my rant for the day - love to know your thoughts.