The Power of Presence: Building Careers Through Job Farming on LinkedIn

"LinkedIn Isn’t Just a Platform—It’s the Global Marketplace Where Careers Are Built"

LinkedIn boasts over 930 million members across the globe, with 1 billion daily visitors scrolling, connecting, and discovering opportunities. Yet, despite its immense potential, many professionals still treat it as a static online CV or a last-minute job board. But what if we told you that the real power of LinkedIn isn’t in job hunting—but in job farming?

In this week’s newsletter, we’re diving deep into a transformative philosophy championed by RedHolt ’s CEO, Chris Redmond ???? , and how it’s sparking action in professionals around the world. Job farming isn’t about scrambling for opportunities when you need them most; it’s about planting seeds of value today, nurturing authentic relationships, and letting opportunities naturally flourish over time.

This shift from hunting to farming isn’t just a catchy metaphor—it’s a proven strategy for long-term career growth. Don’t just take our word for it; Vijay Sud , a seasoned professional with over 15 years on LinkedIn, shares his story of transformation. After a single conversation with Chris, Vijay experienced a profound mindset shift, breaking free from years of passivity to become an active and engaged contributor on the platform.

His story isn’t unique—many professionals overlook LinkedIn’s true potential as a dynamic ecosystem where conversations are the currency of connection, visibility unlocks trust, and content serves as the storefront of your personal brand.

Think about it: recruiters are increasingly prioritising a strong LinkedIn presence over traditional CVs. LinkedIn's algorithm rewards genuine engagement. And the best opportunities often arise not from random job postings but from authentic relationships built over time.

The question is—are you ready to embrace the job farming mindset? Are you prepared to see LinkedIn not as a tool for desperation but as a platform for abundance?

Today, we’ll hear from Vijay himself about how he’s putting this philosophy into action. His story is a masterclass in leveraging LinkedIn as a career catalyst—and a reminder that opportunities aren’t just found; they’re cultivated.

So, sit back, grab a coffee, and prepare to rethink how you approach LinkedIn. Whether you’re a passive observer or an active contributor, there’s something to learn from Vijay’s inspiring journey. Let’s plant the seeds for your success.

1. You’ve been on LinkedIn for over 15 years. What do you think held you back from fully utilising its potential, and what advice would you give to someone feeling “stuck” in a similar way?

Vijay Sud: In one word: Me. I was my own obstruction, tangled in fear, assumptions, and overthinking. I kept second-guessing myself—what to post, how it might be received, or whether it was even worth it. My advice? Just go for it. Take the leap of faith without overthinking or worrying about other opinions. What is the worst that could happen – zero interactions?

That’s already the case when you’re not posting. There’s nothing to lose, only everything to gain. Start small, stay consistent, and let the momentum build.

2. Before your conversation with Chris, how did you view LinkedIn, and how has that perspective shifted since adopting the “job farming” philosophy?

Vijay Sud: Before, LinkedIn was just a platform to seek connections and scroll through job listings. It felt transactional—post a CV, hit apply, and hope for the best. But after being introduced to the “job farming” philosophy, my view transformed.

LinkedIn is now a living, breathing ecosystem where relationships are cultivated. Chris’ analogy of LinkedIn as a bustling high street shop stuck with me—your profile is your storefront, and every interaction is an opportunity to plant a seed, nurture relationships, and let opportunities flourish. It’s not about scrambling when you need a job; it’s about laying the groundwork well in advance.

3. Can you take us inside that session with Chris? What specific advice, analogies, or perspectives stuck with you and made a lasting impact?

Vijay Sud: I’ve shared this on my LinkedIn page as well https://www.dhirubhai.net/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7283769651711336448/), but here’s a quick recap of what resonated most:

LinkedIn Presence

Chris emphasised that LinkedIn isn’t just an online CV—it’s a dynamic, ever- evolving representation of your professional self. Key takeaway: A CV is static, while LinkedIn is a vibrant, 3D/4D experience that evolves with your interactions and connections. It’s where you tell your story, build your brand, and showcase your potential.

Networking

“Conversation is the currency of sales!” Chris said, and it hit me hard. It’s not about collecting random connections; it’s about building genuine relationships.

From Hunting to Farming

The idea of job farming completely shifted my mindset. LinkedIn isn’t a place to hunt for jobs when you’re desperate—it’s where you cultivate opportunities over time. Plant seeds, water them, and let them grow into something substantial.

This session was more than just a conversation—it was a masterclass in rethinking how I approach LinkedIn and my career.

4. What specific changes did you make to your LinkedIn presence that yielded noticeable results?

Vijay Sud: The biggest shift? I showed up. I went from being a passive observer to an active participant. I now (try to) max out my weekly connection requests and have started to draft posts. I’ve also begun brainstorming content ideas to share consistently. Through these efforts, I’ve made meaningful connections that have already led to discussions about work. The professional and personal growth has been incredible.

5. How do you approach building meaningful connections on LinkedIn now, and what’s changed about your networking strategy?

Vijay Sud: My approach is now intentional. Given my diverse background in TV, Radio, OTT, and Films across MENA and the UK/Europe, I focus on connecting with professionals in the media and entertainment industry who align with my career aspirations.

It’s no longer about the numbers—it’s about nurturing relationships that matter. As Chris says, it’s about planting seeds, not scattering them aimlessly.

6. What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone new to LinkedIn or hesitant to share their voice?

Vijay Sud: Take the leap of faith and start showing up. Consistency is key. Even small steps, like commenting on others’ posts or sharing a quick insight, can help you find your voice. And as a film enthusiast, I’ll leave you with this: “May the LinkedIn Force (and algorithm) be with you!”

7. What led you to reach out to Chris Redmond, and how did that one conversation reshape your career mindset?

Vijay Sud: I had already started connecting with purpose on LinkedIn, especially after realising that the traditional job application process wasn’t yielding results. Chris stood out as a thought leader in HR across MENA and the UK, and reaching out to him felt like a natural next step.

While I initially sought job-related advice, that one conversation flipped my perspective entirely. It wasn’t about “getting hired” anymore—it became about showing up, being fearless, and building a meaningful presence. Today, I’m on a journey with no inhibitions and a clear goal: to stay active, stay authentic, and let LinkedIn work it's magic.

Conclusion:

The world of professional growth and networking is being redefined, and LinkedIn stands at the heart of this transformation. As Vijay Sud’s inspiring story demonstrates, the platform is so much more than a digital CV or a tool for last-minute job hunts—it’s a vibrant ecosystem where conversations spark opportunities, connections build trust, and content shapes your personal brand.

At Redholt, we’re committed to empowering individuals and fostering communities where talent thrives and opportunities flourish. Through initiatives like the Career Fireside sessions, we’re creating spaces for professionals to learn, connect, and grow—completely free of charge. And for those ready to take their journey to the next level, we’re thrilled to announce that the LinkedIn Advantage Accelerator program will be launching soon! This transformative program is designed to help you amplify your LinkedIn presence, cultivate meaningful relationships, and unlock new career opportunities. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.

The power of LinkedIn lies in showing up, staying authentic, and embracing the mindset of job farming—planting seeds of value today for a flourishing career tomorrow. Whether you’re an active contributor or taking your first steps toward building your brand, the possibilities are endless when you approach the platform with purpose and intent.

Opportunities aren’t just found—they’re cultivated. And at RedHolt, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s continue planting the seeds for your future. Until next time

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