Be Michael Jordan of LinkedIn

Michael Jordan is a brand. Michael Jordan started off as a professional basketballer, and who he is today is built upon years of mastery and focus.

What makes MJ a brand?

MJ is an expert: He built his career and expertise as an NBA basketballer. He was a driving force to help Chicago Bulls to win 6 championships. He focused on a niche and stuck to his lane.

MJ is an influencer: He influence people with his charisma and leadership skills. A good influencer knows how to leverage their power to inspire. It can inspire people to be part of a movement, it can inspire people with the process of making a decision.

MJ builts partnerships: Air Jordan and Nike is an example of a powerful partnership. Michael Jordan has made roughly $1.3 billion from his deal with Nike since signing with the brand in 1984, according to Forbes.

What makes MJ so special is that even after he retired from being a professional sports player, he was able to future proof himself.

He leveraged his leadership skills from the courts to the board rooms.

How can you build a professional brand like MJ?

Use LinkedIn, this is your channel to build your brand and amplify your voice.

You're an expert too, years of knowledge and development have made you the superstar of today.

Perhaps the market has changed, but that doesn't mean you stopped being an expert. Reposition yourself in another market space that will value your skillsets.

LinkedIn is more than a static resume, your content - what you posts shows you expertise and knowledge.

You're an influencer too, you directly influence people around you. It can be your team, your family, your peers.

On LinkedIn, you can extend your influence by being a channel, by being the trusted voice here, you will influence your industry.

Are you commenting on posts? Are you connecting with relevant people?

You can build partnership too. On LinkedIn, there are many decision makers hanging on here. The network you build here will be a valuable asset.

Think of potential strategic partnerships that is a win-win. Where you both have similar customer base and you're proud to promote.

What kind of MJ do you want to be known for?

The most common problem that I see when professionals like yourself kickstart their brand journey is the lack of clarity, focus and positioning.

And, you want to amplify the your message, but somehow you're not hitting the notes.

How do you curate and organise 5-10+ years of knowledge and reinforce your brand?

What lane/vertical do you want to build you brand on?

Who are your folks, community that you want to influence?

I'll be honest, I've been building my brand now for the last 10 years, and I still ask myself these questions. Still, that doesn't stop. I am the MJ of personal branding on LinkedIn.

That's why I've set up The Trusted Voice, it's to help leaders and professionals stand out in a more sustainable way.

Strategy, actionability, accountantability and focus. That's what we're provide.

If I'm the MJ of personal branding on LinkedIn? (Even saying it outloud is empowering).

What kind of MJ on LinkedIn do you want to be known for?

I'm String, I live in the future and I believe that change is happening. It's time to build a brand that will futureproof your skills and expertise.

PS At the moment it feels like I'm the MJ of fried chicken. I'm okay with that too.