Showing Versus Telling

Showing Versus Telling

In my book, Digital First Leadership, I discuss the importance of showing vs telling.

When I speak about "showing instead of telling," I'm referring to the concept of using vivid descriptions, personal anecdotes, and real-life examples to illustrate a point or idea, rather than simply stating it. This approach allows the audience to visualize and connect with the message on a deeper level, making it more memorable and impactful.

For instance, instead of saying "I'm a good leader," (which is telling), you could share a story about a time when you led a team through a challenging project and achieved success (which is showing). This not only demonstrates your leadership skills but also allows the audience to see how you apply these skills in real-world situations.

Another example could be in the context of a product or service. Instead of just stating the features of a product, you could share a customer's experience of how the product solved a problem they were facing. This 'shows' the value of the product in a relatable way.

In essence, "showing" brings your message to life and makes it more engaging and persuasive. It's about creating a picture with your words that allows others to see what you're saying, not just hear it.

For leaders using LinkedIn, this is especially important.?

A leader can use the "showing versus telling" approach on LinkedIn by sharing experiences, insights, and stories that demonstrate their expertise and values, rather than just stating them. Here are some specific ways to do this:

1. Share Real-Life Experiences: Instead of just stating your skills or achievements, share stories about projects you've led, challenges you've overcome, or initiatives you've been part of. This provides context and makes your claims more credible.

2. Engage with Others: Don't just post your own content, engage with others too. Comment on posts, share relevant content, and participate in discussions. This shows your willingness to engage and collaborate, rather than just telling people about it.

3. Provide Value: Share insights, tips, and advice that your connections will find valuable. This shows your expertise and your willingness to help others, rather than just telling people that you're an expert or a helpful person.

4. Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your posts and interactions. This shows who you are as a person and a leader, rather than just telling people about it.

Remember, LinkedIn is a professional platform, but it's also a social platform. So, while it's important to maintain a professional tone, don't be afraid to show some personality and engage with others in a genuine way. This will help you build stronger connections and make your profile more engaging and memorable.

In reality, our followers do not connect with us because of the content we share, but because of what’s inside our heads—what we can provide that no one else can. They want our perspective, our story. They want to know the “whys.” Why are we posting that link? Why does that content matter? Why is it important to us, and why do we think they need to see it?

Our relationship with our followers develops when they find us interesting, entertaining, or even fascinating.

If we prove to them that we can lead them to some type of success, then they’ll want to understand why we find the content we share interesting, entertaining, or fascinating. We must, therefore, create a story around the content, using our own words and experiences.

Digital First Leadership is available on Amazon here: https://blisspoint.pub/DigitalFirstLeadership

Suggested Viewing?

Geopolitical Strategist Peter Zeihan is a global energy, demographic and security expert.?

If you're looking to stay informed on the realities of geography and populations, I strongly suggest checking out Zeihan YouTube channel.

Zeihan's worldview offers insights on how global politics impact markets and economic trends, helping industry leaders navigate today’s complex mix of geopolitical risks and opportunities.?

Expect a forward looking approach on what will drive tomorrow’s headlines, delivered in digestible, accessible and relevant takeaways for audiences of all types.

You can find his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@ZeihanonGeopolitics

Upcoming Events

Next week I’m in NYC for the Orbie Awards and Philadelphia for the National Speakers Association’s monthly meeting. If you are attending either event, be sure to say hello.

On November 7th I’m hosting an Open training session of our BlissPoint LinkedIn Relationship Selling program. Here’s the link: https://blisspoint.pub/LinkedInSales

BlissPoint Tip!

62% of prospects view your LinkedIn profile before deciding to accept a connection request or respond to messages

Have this on your profile

- A banner image that adds to your brand - Avoid fancy fonts and text. It can’t be read nor acted on.

- A profile photo that is up close and recent (No Wedding Photos!!) Cropped at the collar bone

- A headline with your company name and what you do - Avoid lengthy sentences such as “I help people…”

- An About Section that speaks to your prospects, not a hiring manager - First person, forward speaking, value to your audience. Three paragraphs or more.

?????? ???????? ????????, ???????? #LinkedIn ???? +?? (??????) ??????-???????? (????/???????????? ????????) ???????? ??’???? ???????? ?????? ?? ???????????? ???????????????? ??????. ???? ???? ?? ?????????? ???????????????? ???? ???????? ?? ?????????? ???? ???? ??????????????, ??????????????????????????, ?????? ??????????????????. ???? ????????????????, ???? ?????? ???????????? ???? ???? ???????????????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ???????? ?? ?? ???? ???? ??????????????, ??????’???? ???? ???????????????? ???????????????? ?? ?????? ?????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ??????????.

About the Author

Richard Bliss is the founder and president of BlissPoint, a social media consulting company that helps improve executives’ online communications and sales teams’ social selling behaviors. Richard, a LinkedIn Top Voices Influencer, experienced executive communications manager, and social media coach, has helped thousands of people master social media tools and become fluent in social conversations, building their platforms and confidence to reach their audience and define their brand effectively.