Navigating LinkedIn as a Young Entrepreneur

Austin Okolo , an award-winning serial entrepreneur who first made headlines in the fashion industry at 17 and later co-founded The Gen Z Club , has adeptly used LinkedIn to expand his professional network.

With a strategic approach to LinkedIn, Austin shares insights on how he has grown his followership and crafted a personal brand that resonates with individuals and businesses.

Introduction to LinkedIn Use

Initially launching his fashion brand into the public eye with features in major publications like GQ magazine, Austin's entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to co-found The Gen Z Club at 21. The club began with virtual events on Clubhouse during COVID-19 and soon moved to in-person gatherings, culminating in events at prestigious venues like the Ministry of Sound in London.

Despite his early success, Austin did not start using LinkedIn actively until January 2020. His primary goal was to document his journey and see where it led him.

Profile Optimisation

Austin understands the importance of a LinkedIn profile that stands out and aligns perfectly with his personal and professional branding. He updates his profile sporadically, ensuring it reflects his current projects and professional growth. His summary is crafted to appeal directly to potential collaborators and businesses, highlighting his innovative approach and achievements in a compelling, concise manner.

Top tip: Update your profile only when you need to. Don't overcomplicate what you do - consider the three key things you want someone to know about you. Start from there.

Effective Networking Strategies

Networking on LinkedIn has been crucial for Austin, allowing him to grow The Gen Z Club to over 5,000 attending his events and reach 500,000 individuals considering their first step into higher education or a first job. It's important to maintain personal connections.

He uses the platform to contact potential members and partners, carefully selecting connections aligning with his community and innovation vision.

Top tip: Create yourself a LinkedIn InMail (message) template. When you meet someone, follow-up and connect with them - it'll help you to remember where you both first met.

Content Engagement and Sharing

Austin is judicious in his content strategy, focusing on posts that reflect his insights and entrepreneurial experiences. He believes in posting with intention, ensuring that each piece of content offers value and sparks conversation.

His approach is to post every weekday. Topics range from personal achievements to broader industry insights. He keeps a list of ideas on his phone, ready to share whenever inspiration strikes, ensuring his content is timely and relevant.

Top tip: People pay for things they can implement, not information. People want to know how they can put into practice your ideas - and what you're saying. Make it easy for them to do that. Is what you're sharing helpful or easy to use?

The Role of LinkedIn in Daily Work

For Austin, LinkedIn is more than just a networking tool; it's a platform for personal brand development and professional growth. He emphasises the importance of being responsive and engaging with his audience. His tactical use of LinkedIn also includes documenting his journey and the stories that inspire him, enhancing his visibility and connection with his audience.

Advice for Winning on LinkedIn

Austin's top tips for success on LinkedIn focus on authenticity and engagement. He advises:

• Start strong: The first line of your post is crucial—make it compelling within 3-10 words. Then, share the rest.
• Post with passion: Share content you are genuinely excited about and believe in. Don't just post for the sake of it.
• Embrace the learning curve: Take your time with initial challenges. Consistency leads to faster learning and adaptation.
• Be strategic in engagements: Comment only when you have something meaningful to say, and always reply to those who engage with you. Likes and comments on your posts will then follow.

Concluding Thoughts

Austin's LinkedIn strategy showcases how a young entrepreneur can effectively use the platform to enhance their professional standing and broaden their network.

His focus on strategic posting, meaningful engagement, and consistent branding is a model for others looking to make significant impacts in their fields through social media.

Austin has come a long way from his first LinkedIn post, which you can find here. I had a great day yesterday at THE UK's LARGEST START-UP BUSINESS SHOW!