The Joy of Writing on LinkedIn

If you’re reading this, you are one of the reasons why LinkedIn has become the largest professional publishing platform in the world. I’ve not been shy in preaching the power of this platform; since I started posting here a couple of years ago I’ve come across tremendous opportunities that may have not occurred otherwise--at least not as quickly.

Recently, I was asked to share some thoughts about writing on LinkedIn. I’m not going to give you a list of tips (but I did share some via Glenn Leibowitz’s great podcast last week--you can listen to that here).

Instead, I’d like to impart two simple lessons that I hope give you the confidence to start sharing your own professional opinions.

Remember that you’re an expert.

LinkedIn is not your traditional news outlet. (Although, there is a great daily digest written by LinkedIn staff that highlights the day’s best headlines.)

Most of the million or so writers on LinkedIn are professionals like you and me. We write our opinions. This can be good or bad, depending on your perspective. But I’m a glass-is-half-full kind of guy, and I’ve discovered countless pieces on this platform that have educated, inspired…and yes, “influenced” me.

Every one of us has a unique set of experiences. You may have a similar skill set to thousands of others on this platform, but no one learned those skills the same way. Write what you know. Tell us your story.

People love stories.

Of course, if you’re going to write on LinkedIn, you’ve got to figure out your “why”. Are you looking to showcase your expertise? Attract potential leads and business partnerships?  Maybe you want to begin a career as a professional writer. Or you simply enjoy writing for an audience.

All of these are great reasons to write on LinkedIn. But the “why” will influence what you write and how you write it.

Your voice is unique. Use it.

I spoke to a young writer the other day, and he paid me a wonderful compliment. He said he really appreciated my writing because of how clear my voice was--that he felt like he really got to know me through my writing.

It got me thinking. My favorite writers here on LinkedIn are those who write as if we could hear their thought process. The truth is, the written word differs greatly from the spoken word. So how do you find that unique voice?

Here's the best part: You don’t have to find it. You’ve already got it.

We’ve already established that there’s only one you. As you read the news, as you experience the joys, challenges, ups and downs of your workplace--or reflect on previous lessons learned--write about it.

Then, edit relentlessly.  

That’s right. The key to refining your voice, to capturing that authenticity that makes you, you--it's all in the editing.

One of my all-time favorite quotes:

“There is no great writing. Only great re-writing.”

Before you hit publish, re-read your piece. Then, edit. Repeat the process. Step away for an hour. Or a day. Then, re-read and edit again.

The written word is full of limitations, but it has one great strength: You can hone it and shape it until you feel it’s ready. No one will see it until you publish, so make sure you believe and stand by every single line. You have the power to form your words into exactly what you want, like a master sculptor creating a work of art.

Of course, putting this much effort into your writing leaves you in a vulnerable place. The pieces you write become like your children. Pick a favorite? How could you? You love all of them.

But others won’t. Sometimes they’ll even attack you and your "children". That hurts.

Don't worry; you’re not alone. Even the best, most popular writers in the world have their critics. (Most likely more than you.) You can learn from most criticism (even if poorly delivered), so try your best. But there will always be others that appreciate what you have to say, and that makes it all worth it.

Just as we learn from real children, you will learn from these labors of love. They will remind you of parts of yourself that you forgot existed, and reveal to you others you never knew were there.

Through it all, you will grow. You will help others to grow, too.

I hope this motivates you to start writing. I look forward to learning from you.

What's your experience writing on LinkedIn? Still thinking about it? I'd love to hear from you in the comments section.

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I also write for Inc. and TIME. Some other articles you might enjoy:

• Why Building Emotional Intelligence Is Harder Than You Think
• 9 Embarrassing Words and Phrases You Don't Want to Get Wrong
• How Steve Jobs Ran His Legendary Meetings
• Show Your Employees Some Love: Why It Pays to Praise