Listen and Obey | #MyFridayStory No. 329

Back in April 2009, at the suggestion of a trusted friend and mentor, I ventured into the world of LinkedIn. After a decade as a marketing manager, my tenure at a company faced uncertainty due to an impending acquisition by a major bank. Amidst this turmoil, I realised the need to amplify my professional presence beyond the confines of my current position. While my experience boasted notable brand collaborations, the challenge lay in refreshing my profile after a prolonged stint at the same company. I've always prided myself on achieving maximum impact with minimal resources, a mantra essential for smaller players in the competitive arena.

Upon joining LinkedIn, I found a platform tailored to my needs—an avenue for seamless networking and connection without the hesitancy of initiating conversations. To enhance my profile, I enlisted professional assistance, albeit realising that the crux of crafting an impactful narrative lay solely in my hands. Authenticity emerged as the cornerstone of my approach—a reminder that one's story cannot be authentically told by another.

As I delved into the nuances of LinkedIn, I unearthed the strategies that propelled profiles into the top percentile. LinkedIn evaluates profiles based on four key components: establishing a professional brand, identifying ideal connections efficiently, engaging with insightful content, and nurturing meaningful relationships. Armed with this knowledge, I embarked on a journey of crafting and disseminating content, primarily centered on marketing and leadership. The results were tangible—my profile garnered increased visibility, eliciting engagement from a diverse audience. Soon, my networking efforts transcended the digital realm, materialising into face-to-face meetings across Johannesburg and Pretoria.

My interactions on LinkedIn were guided by a commitment to authenticity and purpose. Each connection request was personalised, accompanied by a brief introduction elucidating my intent on the platform. Incorporating weekly #MyFridayStory instalments fostered meaningful dialogues, archived for posterity within LinkedIn's interface. Congratulatory messages and well-wishes punctuated these interactions, nurturing a sense of community amidst the digital expanse.

By 2012, my network burgeoned to over 10,000 connections, each greeted individually—a testament to the value I placed on personal engagement. Recognising the need for varied content formats, I diversified my posts, integrating both long-form reflections and succinct quotes. Despite initial lukewarm reception to long-form content, I persisted, driven by a passion for storytelling and a desire to inspire.

In April 2016, the inaugural #MyFridayStory, "On Being an Artist," marked a pivotal juncture in my LinkedIn journey, inspired by the teachings of Seth Godin. Over subsequent weeks, the narrative evolved, honing its cadence to resonate with readers. As I pen the 329th instalment, my ritual remains unchanged—I pray for guidance in crafting narratives that uplift and inspire. And as I find myself in a moment of silence, I find solace, heeding His gentle whisper—listening and obeying.

Through the labyrinth of LinkedIn, I've gleaned invaluable lessons—each connection, each story, a testament to the transformative power of authenticity and purpose. As I navigate this digital landscape, I remain tethered to the ethos of humility and reverence, mindful of the guiding hand that orchestrates every narrative, and every connection, with divine precision.

Have a great weekend and please remember to be generous! ??

As always, thanks for reading. ??

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