Things that hold people back from LinkedIn Success.

Before we dive into things that hold people back from LinkedIn Success, let's take a moment to define "LinkedIn Success". What is success? Is it a feeling, a gut feeling even, or is it something measurable?

Somewhere last November a long term client told me she's training to run a marathon this year. So I said: "Right, by this time next year, I will be able to jog 3km"

That is a so-called SMART goal and I can measure the outcome. Now all I have to do is decide what success means for me. That I actually am able to jog 3 km by the end of this year? Or that I have started adding short bits of jogging into my walks?

What is success when using LinkedIn to organically grow you business?

It might be that you attract a new client through LinkedIn each month. Or maybe it is staying on peoples' minds so that previous clients come back to you rather than shop around when they need your expertise again.

Success on LinkedIn can also be measured through incoming LinkedIn connection requests. Not just the number, but are the people asking you to connect relevant to you? Are they possible clients or people who have the right network to refer clients to you?

What does: "Success on LinkedIn" mean to you? Go on, share it in the comments. You know I am 'dying' to find out!

Things that hold people back from LinkedIn Success.

The short answer: showing up! So then, what is stopping people from showing up on LinkedIn? I asked and here are the responses I got:

1. I don't know how to use it.?Haven't learnt how to use LinkedIn properly yet.?I don't really understand LinkedIn.
2. Fear of being judged. Looking incompetent. Limiting ideas about myself that in this serious crowd I would make myself ridiculous. imposter syndrome, hesitant with tech, etc... To be honest, I guess I find comfort in making excuses.
3. I'm worried what I want to speak about is not business-y enough. Thinking the posts need to be serious. I don't even know what to post, how to get my message out there. Finding enough relevant content to post regularly.
4. Lack confidence in selling my services virtually. I am not sure what to do on LinkedIn.?I am not sure how to be social on LinkedIn.?No idea how to position myself without feeling salesy and ingenuine.
5. The fact it feels so time-consuming. Post and engage. It sometimes feels like a chore!?Busy with work. It feels overwhelming.?I usually just forget about LinkedIn, because it's not as much fun.

Can these things be overcome?

??The first group of responses focus on not really knowing how to use LinkedIn. We all started there! Either you dive in and learn as you go, or you find a way to learn about it. Read a book or follow a course.

??The second lot of responses are about worrying about what others think, believe me, I've been there! When my business was still a side hustle I didn't even talk about it in the day job for a year. But you know what? If people think something about you, then THEY are not your dream client (unless they think you are brilliant and amazing). There are over 810M people on LinkedIn, you can't please 'em all!

??The responses under three about being professional are so common that I spend a fair bit of time on this in the webinar where we get rid of the three biggest misconceptions (AKA silly notions) that hold you back from having success on LinkedIn.

??The fourth group of responses deal with insecurity, confidence, imposter syndrome... There is a saying that you only have to know 10% more than those you teach. I don't want to pin you down on that number, but you don't have to be the next Brene Brown or Simon Sinek before you have 'the right' to post.

??The responses I've grouped under five deal with lack of time/priority. Busy with work... well, if you want to attract clients through LinkedIn then that IS WORK so you need to allow time and schedule it. As for no fun.. bah humbug! LinkedIn is a lot of fun, is enjoyable, is something to look forward too once you get rid of all the niggling shoulds. Remember that webinar? That is where we once and for all deal with these blocks! Once you enjoy LinkedIn, you will make the time!

Learn how to make LinkedIn ENJOYABLE & PROFITABLE

Still not convinced that LinkedIn is the place where you can totally be yourself, do what you love to do most, have fun AND attract clients whilst you're at it? Then it is time for you to join me in this free, fun & live webinar and discover the 3 biggest misconceptions about LinkedIn that are holding you back from attracting clients organically!

CONTENT DIGEST

Ever feel stuck for inspiration to write a post? Time for a bit of lateral thinking. We did a fun little exercise in the "LinkedIn Tea Lounge" membership where is 15 minutes 5 people each came up with 3 ideas for a post they could write. Read all about it in this post and add your content idea in the comments. Another exercise to get inspiration is shown in this video. ??

Post that always do well are those that trigger an emotion (good or bad) or express an opinion (people love to agree/disagree). In this post you can see how I played a bit on emotion (poor me) and snuck in a preview of the webinar I was preparing without even mentioning it. Also, as the image is clearly NOT a stock image, it made more people stop scrolling. Have a look and then comment to answer the question at the end of the post: "How did you get around a dicey situation?"

This is a fine example of a post that has all the right ingredients. It also has 87 comments (sure, half are my replies) which is quite a high number for me. I don't get extreme views or engagement, but enough to stay visible and attract clients. Anyhow, what made this post successful? It is a document or carousel post. They keep people longer on your post which the algo takes as a sign the content must be interesting so it extends the reach. It shared some great insights, tells a funny story, has an attention grabbing image and it asked the right question to get comments. Why not have a read and add yours?

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