LinkedIn for Real People - an introduction.

I would like to reset the room for you today.

How do you currently view LinkedIn?

Somewhere people are constantly selling to you?

Does this sound familiar?

• People are sending you spam messages.
• A lot of people seem to be using AI to write their posts
• You are tempted to download one of those third party plug in things others talk about - you know - they send automatic messages for you, find people and then all you have to do is get them on a call?
• You don't really have time to do this stuff so you just scroll through the feed and click the like button a few times

What if it could be different?

What if you looked forward to checking your LinkedIn? Catching up with your network, reading some interesting posts and maybe even attending a LinkedIn audio once a week?

We don't need to run before we can walk. I am not suggesting you start broadcasting a weekly live show yourself. But I would love you to feel comfortable posting once or twice a week. And every time you open the app on your phone, you recognise the person in the newsfeed and enjoy commenting on their content.

Shall we do this?

I am going to write a series of newsletters aimed at helping you. The individual.

The company content, well it is going to stay over on our Company Page - Louise Brogan Ltd - LinkedIn Content Marketing & Training . This newsletter is going to be for you and me.

These newsletters are going to be based on a theme - how to approach LinkedIn as though it were your next in-person industry event.

We are not eating the whole elephant today - let's just start with the first step - preparation.

How to treat LinkedIn like an in-person event - preparing.

Imagine that LinkedIn is the online version of your industry networking event.

I will play along ??

Next week I am going to San Diego for Social Media Examiner 's Social Media Marketing World.

Here's how I prep:

Got my ticket, flights, hotel booked ?? ?? ??

Today I am organising my luggage - what will I wear, what do I need with me?

In terms of LinkedIn - this is your strategy before you even create your account - how are you going to show up? What are you going to 'wear'?

Will it be the Louise who is going out with friends for a walk? Or Louise who is going to a business networking event to meet other business owners, speakers, and potential collaborators/clients? I think, since this is something I am investing time and effort into, I need to show up as my business self.

Don't get me wrong - I don't want you to portray some version of yourself on LinkedIn (or in person!) that doesn't reflect the real you. If the real you showed up to the conference in a Hawaiian shirt, then don't have a formal suit on here.

Most of us however, will probably show up pretty much the same way in person as we would online. It is much easier to connect with people and have conversations as your professional self if you don't have to pretend.

How does this translate in reality to LinkedIn?

Let's start with your personal profile's Introductory Card. This is you and I meeting for the first time at our event/on LinkedIn.

Your checklist:

When did you last update your profile photograph?

Have you got a background cover photo? Does it reflect your business?

Have you added your website and contact details? That is the blue text on the image below - or your business card in person. Unless we have moved to QR codes ;)

What does your headline say about you? Is it 'clickable'? If I read it, would I want to connect with you? (think- if you came up to me at the conference and I asked you what you do for a living, would we then begin a conversation or pique each others interest?

Grab a copy of my guide to work through this if you are ready to spend a bit more time to get ready for your event - and if you are going to SMMW next week, hit reply and let's organise to meet up!

Next Time... don't just show up at the event unprepared... what are you going to talk to me about?

** I would love some feedback - let me know if you like this format, and if you do, feel free to share it with your network. You know, like pointing someone out to someone across the conference room....