LinkedIn Makeover: Engagement, Authenticity & Target Audiences (Part 2)
Michel Shah (she/her)
UpSkiller, Founder, Storyteller, Inclusive Leader, Educator, Facilitator, Passionate Learner and People Developer.
Welcome back folks! Let's talk about how you can become a LinkedIn expert! I recently had another great conversation with Donna Serdula where we talked about exactly that. We talked about the importance of active engagement for LinkedIn users and how we can up our game by becoming an active user. Active engagement isn't always the easiest thing, but overtime we can learn how to use LinkedIn to our advantage.
??Passive vs. Active:?
Let's get into passive and active engagement on LinkedIn. Passive engagement is like being a silent observer – you're scrolling through feeds, reading comments and posts but not really diving in and adding to the discussion. This is a good start, you are learning about others and laying a foundation for networking, but the way to get the most out of LinkedIn is to actively engage with the platform. Active engagement means joining the conversation, posting your thoughts, reposting things you find interesting and actively participating. It's like learning a language – you listen, then you start speaking.
??Becoming an active user:?
Going from being a passive user to an active user on LinkedIn often seems harder than it is. Start small, maybe leave a comment on a post, and start a conversation with someone by messaging them privately instead of posting something on your feed. Next, share content that fires you up. It could be your own ideas or reposting something found interesting. Over time as you continue to engage with the platform, you'll start to gain confidence and post things of your own to start conversations. You will learn to tap into your network's interests and use that intel to supercharge your own posts.
??Knowing Your Value:?
Many emerging leaders, students, and young professionals hesitate to engage with LinkedIn because they are uncomfortable putting themselves out there. If this is you, the spotlight might be scary but you are not alone.? Even seasoned professionals with decades of experience wrestle with the same self-doubt. The key to overcoming this fear is to know your own value, you have something valuable to contribute to every conversation. You have unique insights that could only be gained through your life experiences. The journey towards professional growth and networking begins with stepping out of your comfort zone. LinkedIn is a great place to do this. LinkedIn gives you a place to engage with a community that is receptive and supportive.
??The Selfie Theory:?
Typically selfies are not used in professional environments. But selfies can serve as a powerful tool for humanizing your LinkedIn profile, it helps people put a name to a face and remember you. When using selfies, make sure there's context that ties back to your professional brand. For example, you can share a selfie from a conference, workshop, or an event where you're networking or gaining industry insights. This gives context to your selfies, it's not just a picture of you, it's a glimpse into your professional journey, aligning you with your brand. A well-balanced profile showcases a mix of selfies, valuable posts, industry-related content, and active interaction with your connections, making your LinkedIn presence truly stand out.
Remember, LinkedIn doesn't have to be super intimidating, it is a platform built for you. LinkedIn can help you advertise and build your brand. So let's all up our LinkedIn game and start using it to the fullest to brand ourselves and our brands. Stay tuned for more insightful content and tips in our upcoming newsletters. We're here to help you navigate the world of professional branding and networking with confidence. Happy Networking!
??Podcast
??UpSkill Key Of The Week
Here are some content ideas for what to post to get your juices flowing!
??Internet Gem Of The Week
Heinrich from Firm Learning gives a masterclass on building a persoanl brand on LinkedIn
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