Tribute Posts: Should you add to the noise?

Somewhat fittingly, today I had originally scheduled a post about social media breaks and whether or not you should take one.

?? And on a day following a national shock, the subject feels even more poignant.

As I’m sure you’ll already know, The Queen died yesterday afternoon, and the palpable effect it’s having on people is already pouring through the feeds.

So, the question you might

be asking yourself is

“Should I add my thoughts?”

Firstly, I think it’s important to remember the two-fold purpose of your LinkedIn presence (particularly your personal profile):

1 – to represent yourself as you want to represented

2 – to help you connect with the people you want to be connected to

You know what can really help both of those things?

?? Speaking honestly about the things you care about. ??

So, if you have some feelings about the Queen's passing and want to have an outlet, want to offer your thoughts, or to leave a public-facing tribute, then I think you should consider it.

Sometimes adding into a mainstream conversation feels like “adding to the noise.”

?? But sometimes, there’s a good reason for the ruckus. Sometimes it will represent something truly important to large groups of people, and it's actually a conversation worth having (rare for social media, I know.)

So, if you feel compelled to – and it would help you to hit both of the 'purposeful posting' points above, then it could be a great shout. It might feel cathartic.

?? A light caveat I would always add before hitting ‘post’ is to also ask this additional simple question:

3 – will it do more good than harm?

I think this one is a supremely useful sense-check.

Not everyone is going to like what we say all the time.

?? Nor should they, 'cause that would turn us into tremendous arseholes.

But if you know your opinions could actively divide opinion and/or cause harm, it’s always worth querying why you’re doing that; is it really on brand? Is it really worth saying?

Of course there will always be the possibility of people being offended regardless of your intent. But having the forethought to consider the impact means you’re more prepared to deal with it, if nothing else.

So, to post or not to post?

As always, it’s all on your terms, but I hope these questions will help you decide:

?? COACHING QUESTIONS ??

?? 1 – does this post represent me as I’d want to be represented?

?? 2 – would this post help me connect with the people I want to be connected to?

?? 3 – will this post do more good than harm?

I guess today's newsletter is just permission to express yourself, if you feel so inclined.

?? For what my opinion is worth, I’ve enjoyed reading people’s dedications to our Liz; she was one of the most formidable examples of strong leadership that I’ve seen in our lifetime, and I’ll miss that reassuring, stable presence more than I expected to.

?? So, I’ll be raising an afternoon brew in her honour today, and will enjoy reading your thoughts if you choose to share them as well.

Alice Lyons ?? ??

---------------------------------------------------

???CONTENT COACHING OVER COFFEE?is here to give you regular ideas to up your posting game on LinkedIn so you can get yourself and your good work out there ??

?? If you'd like more detailed support, I offer?1:1 content coaching?starting from ￡180 for a 90-minute breakthrough session.

?? To have a chat about how we could work together, just send me a dm, or?book a 20-minute coffee chat with me here.