Embracing Authenticity on LinkedIn!

Embracing Authenticity on LinkedIn!

It's Okay Not to Be Popular. Right?

A long-distance call was the trigger.

A long-lost friend of mine found me through LinkedIn and their message got me thinking. ?

“You are somewhere there and here I am trying to get myself back on track. I sometimes feel overwhelmed reading all the success stories from our college batch mates on LinkedIn. Are there no stories of I tried, I am trying, or I failed and i need help?

As any other ardent member of the HR Clan, LinkedIn was, is and always will be my go-to for connecting, attracting, learning, engaging, and nurturing talent.

In today's hyper-connected world, LinkedIn has become a powerful platform for professionals to share their achievements, insights, and perspectives.

However, amidst the success stories and career highlights, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or inadequate if you're not constantly in the spotlight. But here's a refreshing truth: it's perfectly okay not to be popular on LinkedIn. Instead, focus on leveraging the platform effectively to learn, grow, and network authentically.

This is a self-help guide I have put down for self to keep this place, Real! If it makes sense, no harm trying!         

Here are some ways to do just that:

1. Engage in Meaningful Conversations

LinkedIn is a treasure trove of valuable insights and discussions. Join industry groups, participate in discussions, and don't hesitate to share your thoughts.

2. Share Your Unique Insights

You don't need thousands of likes to make an impact. Share your experiences, insights, and lessons learned. Your unique perspective can provide valuable takeaways for others and establish you as a thoughtful and authentic professional.

3. Celebrate Small Wins

Every achievement, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Share your milestones and progress. This not only boosts your confidence but also inspires others who are on a similar journey. Remember, success is a series of small steps. So, highlight the trials and errors.

4. Learn from Others

Use LinkedIn as a learning platform. Follow industry leaders, attend webinars, and read articles that interest you. Engage with content that challenges your thinking and broadens your perspective. Continuous learning is key to professional growth.

While you are at it, here are some amazing profiles that i follow for my weekly / daily dose of learning and some positivism (In no particular order)

5. Build Quality Connections

Focus on building quality connections rather than amassing a large number of followers. Reach out to people whose work you admire, colleagues you’ve worked with, and professionals in your field. Personalize your connection requests to start genuine conversations.

6. Offer Support and Advice

LinkedIn is not just about taking; it's also about giving. Offer support, share job postings, and provide advice when you can. By helping others, you build a positive reputation and foster a supportive community. I follow many of the TOP Voices for their contribution to building knowledge across diverse topics.

7. Be Consistent and Authentic

Consistency is key on LinkedIn. Regularly engage with content, post updates, and participate in discussions. Be authentic in your interactions—people are drawn to genuine voices and real experiences.

8. Use LinkedIn Learning

Take advantage of LinkedIn Learning to acquire new skills and enhance your expertise. Completing courses and earning certifications can boost your profile and demonstrate your commitment to professional development. My latest is a Design Thinking course that had few tracks on LinkedIn learning through TCS.

9. Leverage Analytics

Utilize LinkedIn's analytics to understand what type of content resonates with your audience. This can help you tailor your posts to provide more value and increase engagement over time.

10. Maintain a Professional Profile

Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and professional.

A Call to Authenticity: Let's shift the narrative on LinkedIn. Let's celebrate authenticity, learning, and genuine connections. It's okay not to have a perfect profile or a huge following. What matters is your willingness to engage, learn, and grow. By embracing who we truly are, we can create a more inclusive, supportive, and enriching community for all.        

In conclusion, Note to self : remember that LinkedIn is a platform for everyone, not just the successful. It's a space where we can all contribute, learn, and grow. So, embrace your journey, be authentic, and use LinkedIn to its fullest potential—not to chase likes, but to genuinely connect, learn, and thrive.


D N Prasad, PCC. IHRP-MP.

Executive Coach(PCC;ICF) & C-Suite Leader. Advisor; Building, Scaling & Transforming Organizations, Leadership & Culture.

9 个月

Thanks for this wonderful sharing, Dhilip Kumar Raju. 1,2,7 and 10 particularly resonates. And, it certainly is OK not to be popular on any social media platforms. Each person can have their unique reason to be on it and participate in whatever way they deem fit. Appreciate that you follow me as well and the call-out. Grateful ????

Adeline Tiah 謝善嫻

Helping Leaders Build Better Team Engagement |Leadership Coach | Transformative Master Coach | Speaker | Startup Advisor | Author: REINVENT 4.0

9 个月

Thanks Dhilip for your valuable sharing and thanks for following me. Being on LinkedIn needs a reframe as well. We need to be authentic and vulnerable and yet be inspiring. That's not easy.

Pooja Chawla Sanghavi

TCS || Global HR Professional || LinkedIn Top People Management Voice || Lifelong Learner || Speaker || HR Transformation || Performance Management || Talent Management || Rewards & Recognition || Change Management

9 个月

Great advice, Dhilip! The 10-pointers are very well summed up.

Srikanth Ranga

Building and scaling high-impact content at TCS-Asia Pacific | CXO Thought Leadership | Sales Enabler |

9 个月

Win a rat race, you're still a rat ??

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