The Gen X Visibility Struggle: Why we need to get over ourselves.

Greetings fellow Gen Xers!

We've been nicknamed the "MTV Generation", the "Latchkey Generation"... we were born between 1965 and 1980...

Yes I squeeze into that bracket. I know, I know. You probably thought I was an 80s/90s child, right? (Wink)

In the bustling world of LinkedIn, where connections and opportunities abound, it's fascinating to see the distinct challenges that Generation X often faces when it comes to getting visible on this platform.

According to a recent LinkedIn survey, only 40% of Gen X professionals actively engage on the platform, compared to 60% of millennials.

That means only 40% of us are posting, commenting, even messaging on here. The other 60% of the MTV Generation - nada!

This raises an important question: why does this discrepancy exist, and what can we do about it??

"Make visible what, without you, might perhaps never have been seen." - Robert Bresson (French Film Director)

The Preconditioning Factors:

1. Modesty Over Self-Promotion:

We grew up in an era that valued modesty and humility. At least in our younger years. According to a study by Pew Research Center, the majority of Gen Xers were raised with a strong work ethic and were less likely to boast about their achievements.

The old adage of "Not showing off".

2. Privacy Concerns:

We grew up without mobile phones - our formative years pre-dating the digital age, and many Gen Xers are naturally more cautious about sharing personal information and opinions publicly due to concerns about privacy and security. An Edelman Trust Barometer report indicated that Gen X has the lowest trust in social media platforms compared to other generations. Now that's some pretty shocking stats!

3. Traditional Networking Bias:

Many more traditional Gen Xers lean towards the 'old-school' approach to networking often involved in-person interactions and referrals. A study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the US showed that Gen Xers spent considerably less time online than younger generations, leading to a hesitation to embrace digital networking platforms like LinkedIn.

An explanation as to why 60% of Gen Xers are passengers on LinkedIn - using it as little more than a one-way online CV.

3 Ways to Kickstart a Gen X LinkedIn Takeover:

1. Mindset Makeover:

According to LinkedIn's own data, we Gen Xers are among the most experienced professionals in the workforce. Who am I to argue with that?

Shift up your mindset - taking a shift in perspective, where sharing insights is viewed as contributing rather than bragging, leads to a more active presence on the platform.

You might even find you enjoy it!

“Regardless of whether you’re in B2B or B2C marketing, there’s always a human being on the other side of the screen, and that’s where the final click will come from.” – Miranda Gray, Head of Marketing at ParrisTwins

2. Strategic Sharing:

Gen X professionals can strike a balance between sharing professional achievements and personal anecdotes. A survey by MarketingProfs and the Content Marketing Institute found that storytelling increases engagement greatly, as it creates a more relatable and human connection.

We know that business deals and opportunities come out of human connection. Is this something you really want to miss out on?

3. Learning and Adaptation:

Invest time in learning the nuances of LinkedIn. According to a study by LinkedIn Learning, Gen Xers are the most likely to value continuous learning and upskilling. Think about how you can harness your curiosity to master the art of engaging content creation on here!

In conclusion, Gen Xers might have been preconditioned to shy away from visibility on LinkedIn, but as a collective we possess invaluable insights and experiences that can greatly enrich the platform and in turn the LinkedIn community.

“Once your mindset changes, everything on the outside will change along with it.” - Steve Maraboli (Writer)

By shifting mindsets, embracing strategic sharing (value over bragging!), and adapting to the digital landscape, us proud Gen X professionals can harness the power of LinkedIn to amplify our influence and expand our horizons.

Here's to embracing change and seizing opportunities, no matter the generation!

Who says we can't conquer the world of LinkedIn, eh?

Isn't it time you stepped out of the shadows and into the LinkedIn Limelight?

So Gen Xers - what's your view? How easy do you find it to be visible on LinkedIn? (Drop your point of view into the comments)

Who am I?

I'm?Liz Hamlet?- LinkedIn Top Thought Leadership Voice, London based Certified business strategist, speaker, author & coach.

My zone of genius? - Unravelling strategy conundrums to help service based businesses make more impact, growth & revenue

P.S. Enjoyed this newsletter and want to delve deeper?

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