How to Stay Active on LinkedIn When Work/Life is Freaking Chaos

Staying active on LinkedIn used to be easy as pie in my early thirties. We had one dog, no kids, and I could easily spend hours from early morning til the time I went to sleep scrolling, sharing, commenting, replying, etc.

Then, we got another dog...and another...then had a baby...then came a slew of major health issues.

And suddenly, what seemed easy breezy was an everyday slog. I would either frantically try to post something, anything, OR I would feel so much guilt about not getting it done that it made each day more stressful.

Can you relate?

Maybe you started a new, demanding position...

Or are working multiple jobs...

Or are wrangling kids and/or pets...

Or struggling physically or battling a mental health crisis...

No matter what the reason, trying to stay active on LinkedIn when shit's hit the fan is not an easy task whatsoever.

So, after a humbling period of time when I didn't the time to focus on LinkedIn, I've learned a few things that I'm going to share with you so that you can keep up-to-date with LinkedIn without losing your damn mind during times of limited capacity.

Let's get into it!

1. Don't create posts if you don't have the time, there are other options.

When life gets hectic, crafting original posts daily can slide down the priority list, like way down. Sometimes, when life is super stressful, it's nearly impossible to think creatively, right? But don’t sweat it, content creation isn't all or nothing! You don't have to create a LinkedIn post specifically if you're pressed for time. Here are some other options for you!

Dive Into LinkedIn Expert Answers or Collaborative Articles

Jump on those Q&A sessions under LinkedIn’s "Expert Answers." It’s a sweet spot for sharing some knowledge without the hassle of crafting a full-on post. Plus, answering questions in your wheelhouse not only boosts your visibility but also cements your rep as the go-to expert in your industry, and if you contribute to three or more articles, you qualify for a nice little top voice badge for your profile!

You can find all the topics you can contribute to here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/topics/home/

Curating Content with Feedly

Feedly is a tool that can revolutionize how you handle content on LinkedIn. By setting up a Feedly account, you can aggregate news, articles, and blogs from your industry or areas of interest. This service helps you quickly find relevant and trending topics that you can share with your LinkedIn network. Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Set up feeds for key industry keywords or follow specific publications known to produce high-quality content.
• Schedule a regular browsing session (even just once a week can work) to select interesting articles.
• Share these articles on LinkedIn with a personal note or a key takeaway to add your voice to the content you’re sharing.

You can sign up for Feedly here: https://feedly.com/

Launch a Monthly Newsletter

Why not batch your thoughts and ideas into a monthly newsletter instead of trying to cram in daily posts? Compile cool articles, your thoughts, and what’s buzzing in your world once a month. It keeps everyone in the loop, saves you from daily posting pressure, and honestly, it’s a fun way to recap the month’s highlights. I can not recommend this method enough!

Here's an article that goes into more depth about why I recommend newsletters over just posting on LinkedIn in 2024: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/5-reasons-why-i-recommend-newsletters-instead-just-posting-f56fe/?trackingId=QjbLsDA%2BRXKqszwD7nxjlg%3D%3D

2. Set Boundaries

Maybe you used to be able to check LinkedIn a lot more than you can right now, and that is called life!

Setting boundaries is key to keeping your sanity while navigating the LinkedIn world as a busy/overwhelmed person. Here’s how to make sure your time on LinkedIn is smart, not long, because let's face it, we've all got a million other things vying for our attention.

Why Boundaries are a Must:

• Avoid the Social Media Swamp: Constantly being online can suck you in. Designated LinkedIn times mean you get in, get stuff done, and get out before you turn into a scroll-zombie that isn't necessary being productive.
• Boost Your Efficiency: Allocating specific chunks of your day to LinkedIn tasks keeps you sharp and focused, no more getting lost in the endless feed!
• Make Interactions Count: When you limit your time, you tend to make your comments and posts more meaningful. It’s about quality, not quantity.

Setting Up Your LinkedIn Schedule:

1. Morning Coffee Break (5 minutes): Take a rapid-fire look at your feed while you sip that first cup of coffee. Like, comment, and share stuff that catches your eye.
2. Lunchtime Power Session (5 minutes): Perfect for firing off responses to messages and accepting those connection requests. Do it while you munch on your sandwich.
3. Evening Cool-Down (5 minutes): Wind down your day by posting something cool you came across or jumping into a discussion. It’s a nice way to say "see ya tomorrow" to your network.

Tools to Keep You Focused:

• Alarms and Calendars: Pop those reminders in your phone or laptop. They’re your personal assistants, telling you when it’s time to log in and when it’s time to step away.
• App Blockers: Use apps like "Stay Focused" to keep you from accidentally wandering back to LinkedIn when you should be doing other things.

This is Key...Be All There When You’re On There:

When it's LinkedIn time, really dive in. Engage actively, post intentionally, and connect personally. Make each minute count, and then shut it down and move on to the next part of your day.

By sticking to this game plan, you’ll find that your LinkedIn time is more enjoyable, more productive, and less of a black hole in your daily schedule.

3. Repurpose and Schedule

I LIVE by this tip as a new mom!

Getting the most out of your LinkedIn time isn't just about when you log in; it's also about being savvy with the content you create or find.

Instead of constantly trying to come up with brand new ideas, why not breathe new life into what you've already got? Here’s how to do it:

• Repurpose Like a Pro: Got a great blog post? Break it down into a series of smaller posts or key takeaways. Did a recent talk or webinar? Summarize the main points in a LinkedIn article or a series of posts. You can even turn positive feedback or customer testimonials into graphics or quick video shoutouts. This approach not only saves time but also extends the reach of your original content. As a general rule of thumb, each piece of content you create should be repurposed at least 3 different ways!
• Schedule It Out: Once you've got your content pieces ready, don't drop them all at once. Use a scheduling tool to spread them out. Tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or even LinkedIn’s own scheduling options let you plan when your posts go live. This way, you maintain a consistent presence on LinkedIn without having to manually post every day. What a relief, right?
• Be Seasonal: Keep a calendar of key industry events, holidays, or awareness days relevant to your audience. Tailor your repurposed content to align with these dates, making it even more relevant and timely.
• Mix and Match: Combine new insights with older content for posts that are both fresh and familiar. You can also repost content that you've already created that is older than three months again. Trust me on this one. It actually works!

By repurposing content and scheduling posts, you maximize your efforts and keep your LinkedIn presence active and engaging without needing to constantly create new content. It’s all about working smarter, not harder!

4. Activate your Away Message

Life gets busy, and sometimes you can't be as active on LinkedIn as you might like. That's where a well-crafted away message comes in handy. It lets your network know you're not currently active but still keeps the line of communication open. Being upfront about your availability can help manage expectations and maintain your professional relationships, even when you're swamped.

Here’s how to set up and utilize your LinkedIn away message effectively:

• Set Expectations: Clearly state when you'll be less active on LinkedIn and provide a realistic timeline of when people can expect a response. This prevents any feelings of being ignored and helps manage your contacts’ expectations.
• Provide Alternative Contact Information: If you're unable to respond quickly on LinkedIn, offer an alternative way for people to reach you if it's urgent. Whether it’s your email, assistant, or business phone, make sure it’s a method you’re likely to check regularly.
• Keep It Professional and Personable: Your away message should be professional yet friendly, reflecting your usual communication style while also being clear about your temporary availability.

Example Away Messages for Different Scenarios:

• Vacation:

"Hi there! Thanks for reaching out. I’m currently out of the office on vacation until [return date]. I’ll be sure to get back to you as soon as I’m back. If this is urgent, please contact [alternative contact information]. Cheers, [Your Name]"

• Maternity/Paternity Leave:

"Hello! I’m currently on parental leave until [return date]. I'll have limited access to LinkedIn during this period. For immediate assistance, please contact [alternative contact/email]. Thanks for your understanding! Best, [Your Name]"

• High Workload:

"Thanks for your message! I’m currently experiencing a high volume of projects and will be slower to respond until [date or time period]. I appreciate your patience and will get back to you as soon as possible. For urgent matters, please email me at [email]. Warm regards, [Your Name]"

• Sabbatical/Extended Leave:

"Hello! I'm on a sabbatical until [return date], dedicating time to personal and professional growth. I won’t be checking LinkedIn regularly but will respond to messages upon my return. For immediate needs, please contact [alternative contact]. Thanks! [Your Name]"

Using these away messages not only keeps your network informed but also shows your professionalism and respect for their inquiries, even when you're not immediately available.

5. Say No to Time Sucks

One of the most powerful skills you can cultivate for managing your LinkedIn activities effectively is the ability to say "no." Whether it’s declining a connection request, not engaging in every discussion, or setting limits on the time you spend on the platform, knowing when and how to say "no" can free up a significant amount of your time and energy. This doesn't just apply to LinkedIn—it's a valuable life skill that helps you maintain focus on what's truly important.

Here’s how to approach this:

• Prioritize Requests: Evaluate whether a request aligns with your professional goals or contributes positively to your network. If it doesn’t, it might be a good time to say no.
• Be Clear and Polite: When declining, be straightforward yet polite. A simple message thanking the person for their request but explaining why you can’t engage at the moment keeps the tone positive and professional.
• Offer Alternatives: If you can’t help, maybe you know someone who can. Offering an alternative can turn a "no" into a helpful gesture that continues to build goodwill.
• Refer to Resources: If you frequently get asked the same questions or requests, consider creating a resource—like an article or FAQ section—that you can direct people to. This saves you time and provides value to others.

For more on how to say "no" effectively, especially for those of us who tend to be people-pleasers (like me), check out my article: The People-Pleaser’s Guide to Saying No on LinkedIn.

Let's Wrap This Up!

Mastering the art of saying "no" can significantly reduce stress and enhance your focus and productivity, not just on LinkedIn but in every aspect of your professional life.

Alright, so we’ve covered some ground on how to make LinkedIn a tool that works for you, not a chore that overwhelms you. With the right strategies in place, like knowing when to say "no," and scheduling your LinkedIn time wisely, you can keep your profile and content fresh without letting it take over your life.

Feeling like you’re always playing catch up with your LinkedIn?

Let’s change that.

I’m here to help you polish up that profile and hammer out a strategy and schedule that actually fits into your busy life, without the stress.

Eager to get your LinkedIn looking sharp and working smarter? Book a session with me, and let’s make it happen!

Can’t wait to dive in and streamline your LinkedIn routine with you!

Until next time...

Love and coffee,

Mick