Edition #003 - How personal can you get in your LinkedIn posts?

A B2B founder recently asked me, "How personal can I get on LinkedIn?"

It's a valid concern, considering LinkedIn is a professional platform.

But professional doesn't mean robotic and boring.

Think of your LinkedIn profile as your professional story - not just a resume.

Highlighting your expertise and experience is crucial, but showcasing your personality and human side is incredibly powerful.

Let's explore how to get personal on LinkedIn the right way.

The Benefits of Getting Personal

1. Building Trust and Connection

People connect with people, not robots. Sharing your passions, values, and experiences allows you to build deeper connections with potential clients.

For example, sharing a story about how you started your business or a challenge you overcame can make you more relatable and trustworthy.

2. Becoming More Memorable

In a sea of similar profiles, standing out is key.

Injecting a bit of personality makes you more memorable and relatable.

Highlight what makes you unique, whether it's a particular hobby, a personal philosophy or a quirky aspect of your professional journey.

3. Establishing Thought Leadership

Sharing unique insights and engaging topics positions you as an expert in your field.

Personal anecdotes can illustrate your points and demonstrate your expertise in a more engaging way.

Setting Boundaries

Of course, there are boundaries to set.

Political rants and vacation photos from a wild night out probably don't belong here. Focus on personal details relevant to your professional brand.

Here are some ideas for getting personal strategically:

1. Share Your "Why"

What drives your passion for your work? What impact do you want to make?

For instance, explain why you started your business and what motivates you daily.

2. Highlight Your Hobbies and Interests

Do you have a passion for photography or volunteer in your community?

These can connect you with like-minded people and humanise your brand.

For example, sharing a post about a recent community event you participated in can showcase your values and interests outside of work.

3. Celebrate Wins and Milestones

Did you complete a challenging project or achieve a personal goal?

Sharing your successes can inspire others and showcase your dedication.

For instance, a post celebrating a project completion with a few lessons learned can be both personal and valuable to your network.

Key points to boost your brand with"personal story" posts

1. Be Authentic and Genuine

Authenticity resonates with people.

When sharing personal stories, be genuine about your experiences and feelings. Avoid over-polishing your posts; a bit of vulnerability can make you more relatable.

2. Use Storytelling Techniques

Write your posts as stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

This keeps your audience engaged and makes your message more impactful.

For example, narrate a challenge you faced, how you approached it, and the outcome.

3. Balance Personal and Professional Content

Make sure that your personal stories tie back to professional lessons or insights.

For instance, if you talk about a personal hobby like marathon running, relate it to perseverance and goal-setting in business.

4. Engage with Your Audience

Encourage your network to share their experiences and thoughts on your posts. Ask questions and invite comments.

This not only increases engagement but also provides valuable insights into your audience's perspectives.

5. Keep It Relevant

Always ensure that your personal stories and details are relevant to your target audience.

Ask yourself if the story adds value or insights to your professional connections.

Conclusion

Remember, always balance professionalism with authenticity.

Let your personality shine through, but keep it relevant to your target audience.

By sharing your unique insights and engaging content, you can build trust, become more memorable, and establish thought leadership on LinkedIn.

What are your thoughts on getting personal on LinkedIn?

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