"A LinkedIn Creator Economy: My Unconventional Perspective"

This article was inspired by Dave Acosta recent post:

I appreciate that Dave brought this topic as I've been wanting to write about this for a while now especially considering how much LinkedIn has changed since I started using it years ago.

Not only do I believe that Dave is spot on with this thread, but I also find his suggestion and strategy to be solid and in agreement with my perspective, even though I hold somewhat a different and unconventional viewpoint and opinions on this matter.

Here's my take on this matter:

I began using LinkedIn around 2017 with the sole intention of securing my "dream" job. During that time, I aimed to distance myself from workplaces characterized by a more traditional culture and sought a tech company with a stronger focus on employee well-being, if you will.

As time passed, I discovered that I was connecting with people from all around the world and from diverse companies, I was gaining insights from various fields, learning, and genuinely engaging with other users' posts (way before it became the cool thing to do).

I began consistently sharing my own content, which led to people reaching out to me. Consequently, I tailored my network and LinkedIn profile to suit my evolving needs.

This even facilitated multiple career transitions, such as moving from Graphic Design and Sales to Information Technology. I can even attribute my current position as Technical Support Engineer at Zoom to my LinkedIn profile; Kathelyn, my recruiter, told me that she decided to contact me after viewing my profile.

Over time, I realized that LinkedIn didn't have to be just about job-seeking; Those who know me can testify that I have said this too many times now "LinkedIn has the potential to be so much more"!

This realization prompted me to create more content, share my passions, and actively contribute to the community by leveraging my knowledge and genuinely trying to help others.

Fast forward to 2023, and LinkedIn, both as a platform and my personal LinkedIn profile, has transformed significantly.

We now have features like Audio Events from all different industries and fields, AI integration has been rolled out, and there's even thriving communities from all industries and fields like AI, Video Games, Web3, Sales, Crypto, Education, Marketing, Engineering, Design, Information Technology and more.

We have also heard Gary Vee discuss how people are finding financial opportunities and are "making it happen" here on LinkedIn.

I don't see any issues with these developments, but I don't believe that LinkedIn should be exclusively about these aspects (nor am I suggesting that this is your perspective or anyone's sole perspective/suggestion).

You can call me a romanticist but I see LinkedIn as a platform where brilliant minds from diverse fields and backgrounds can exchange ideas, educate, help others and learn from each other. There could be many ways to find or provide value it doesn't has to be one or the other.

Why can't we have both and more?

For me, LinkedIn has never been about vanity metrics or turning these metrics into monetary gain. I like LinkedIn because it allows me to connect with brilliant minds like Dave. It also allows me to learn from others, and exchange ideas. Similarly, it has enabled me to genuinely assist others and be a part of multiple communities.

If I'm being completely honest, personally, I've never placed much importance on likes, impressions, or metrics. I'm happy with the few individuals who follow and engage with me. If I can make a difference or help even one person, I'm more than satisfied. That's what LinkedIn means to me, and that's where I find its true value.

Am I suggesting that a creator economy shouldn't exist on LinkedIn? Certainly not. It would be fantastic if it did, like I said before I think Dave is spot on!

Am I suggesting that you should not care about your metrics, content or audience? Obviously not! We each have our own agenda, mindset and goals!

Am I implying that it's wrong to "monetize" and generate income on LinkedIn? Absolutely not. I've mentioned several times that "LinkedIn as a platform can offer so much more," and I believe there's ample room for innovation and untapped potential and it will be a shame to see that potential wasted.

Now, with that said, I've recently observed a significant number of opportunistic individuals here, exploiting others. There are people who comment on posts solely for the sake of metrics and engagement, as if it's the current trend.

Similarly, there are numerous individuals who lack knowledge and preparation – they're essentially phonies. Additionally, there are questionable influencers whose presence on the platform baffles me.

Personally, I make an effort to steer clear of unsolicited services, shilling, and all the aforementioned activities. Ultimately, I believe this platform can become whatever you choose to make of it, provided you contribute real value and refrain from taking advantage of others.

Like I've said before, we all have our own set of goals, use cases, ideas, and expectations about this platform. Even though I'm not currently making or looking to make any profit from LinkedIn, I definitely respect and support those who are genuinely doing so in the right way, bringing real value to others, and making a genuine impact on this platform.

Maybe I've been using LinkedIn the wrong way but personally, I couldn't care less about metrics, followers, or 'getting it,' but if those things come my way, that's great too, of course.

Regardless, I'll continue to share my passions with others, strive to create meaningful content, engage authentically with others, offer assistance wherever I can, and simply remain an active member of the community while aiming to make a positive impact on others.