What I learned about Connecting on LinkedIn

For some, LinkedIn or social media is a breeze. For others, like me it’s a bit awkward. Connecting and talking to people via computer screen instead of over a cup of hot joe can at times, feel like wearing a great pair of leather shoes that are not broken in yet.   

When I started getting more active on LinkedIn at the end of December, I was trying to do LinkedIn the way I perceived other people doing it and that wasn’t working. It just didn’t feel right for me.  

I needed to define my WHY?

So, I developed my own set of guiding principles (I'm big on guiding principles).  

Service First 

Clients and potential clients look to LinkedIn to find out about people they may want to work with. I want to help them have more clarity by posting useful information that will help them connect with their teams, customers, clients and to help them get to know me as a person not a training program. In others words, write about something that can create greater awareness as they lead their companies and teams.

Meaningful Connection

We have an opportunity to connect with amazing people who are making important contributions and shaping the way we work. I highly value connection with seasoned professionals and I value the mavericks who are blazing new trails and doing things differently while still having a great impact on the world. Learn, learn, learn. There is an abundance of richness here. I’ve learned of new books, projects and ideas that are contributing to my success and the success of my clients. 

Build Community 

This one is a fulfillment of a desire of my heart. I have long since wanted to be a part of a global community. I have that here and I deeply value it. I appreciate hearing from those around the country and across the world. They are having different experiences, doing great work and making amazing advancements in almost every sector of society. People are brilliant, I look for that brilliance and see it everywhere. Not only is my growing network filled with brilliant people, it’s filled with powerful, and kind human beings. Rich in generosity, rich in presence, rich in the mindset of possibilities and opportunities. Powerful.

Having these guiding principles have helped relieve most of that awkward feeling of LinkedIn. 

If you are like me, it may feel strange connecting this way, but once you know your “why” it’s a lot easier. 

Here are a few things to remember: 

*People will have differences of opinions. Don’t take it personally. 

*Some will “get” you and what you are about, some will scratch their heads and move on…that’s okay. 

*Some will give negative feedback back when you say something positive. Again, don't take it personally.

You will be surprised to find things in common with people very different from you! Awesome. 

There’s a great chance you will grow in personal and professional bravery from watching and listening to amazing stories of creativity, triumph, truth and grit. 

Be a contributor. Even if it’s hard…give. Your comment, your idea, your encouragement matters. Don’t hide your brilliance…share.

Define your “Why” and your guiding principles and enjoy the professional community of amazing people. 

If you've been around for a while, what would you tell someone just getting started or someone who may feel a little awkward at connecting?