What did LinkedIn Give me in 2019

In an interview recently i got asked, What is your Morning Routine? 

I like keeping things simple, Cup of tea, Stuff.co.nz, Times of India and then LinkedIn.

Reading a newspaper first thing in the morning is a lifelong habit. I have my parents to thank for this good habit, but also the cup of tea gets the brain firing up very nicely. Basically I am admitting to be a Typical Indian Man from the 1980s . Reads the newspaper and is very grumpy without a cup of tea in the mornings.

But in 2019 checking LinkedIn first thing in the morning has sneaked into the morning routine somehow. I have started to rely on LinkedIn a lot to keep a track of my massive “LinkedIn Tribe” from all over the world.

“LinkedIn Tribe “ consisting of owners and people who work in small business predominantly.

It is interesting because a lot of this “ LinkedIn Tribe “ i have as connections on Facebook & Instagram. But it is their posts on LinkedIn first thing in the morning that gets me going. Read about their Struggles, Losses but most importantly their wins. What is making me them laugh or upset currently.

I am inspired about their wins.

There is no better way to start the day but to surround yourself with a bunch of Champions first thing in the morning, although digitally. Self motivated individuals who are out to change the world in their own unique ways and in respective industries.

Newspapers National & International sections are 100% full of Doom & Gloom. Business sections are focusing predominantly on Corporate & Government related matters. Then there is endless click bait garbage. Yeah GARBAGE, it clearly works because I am often sucked into the click bait headlines.

But on LinkedIn I get news and tips from Individuals and Small Businesses, very similar to mine.

Following the journey of these individuals and small businesses is what helps me with my own strategy for success. 

My initial approach to LinkedIn was completely wrong. Well I relied too much on the so called LinkedIn Stars with there several thousand connections around the world.

Stars who boast of 5 - 10 - 20 - 30 thousand connections around the world but have Low or no following. No real engagement.

I quickly learned that having that many connections means nothing unless you could have meaningful conversations with your connections at large. Which is impossible for a small business owner, but also totally unnecessary.

I am very protective about who I connect with on LinkedIn. I do a massive cull of my LinkedIn connections every so many weeks.

But I also learned as a small business owner, LinkedIn is not good for selling your products and services. But is an excellent tool to attract people to your product or services.

Many of us follow Gary Vee and have heard him say a million times, put your best content out there for Free right now. Many of us have applauded this strategy but very few of us actually implement it.

I 100% live by it. And in 2019 i had the Distinct pleasure of meeting him too.

Throughout the 2019 i have openly shared all my content with no Pay Walls. Well only paywall at the end is if you want a Product ( Bottle ) or Service ( Private Functions ) it will cost you $$$. But it costs you nothing to engage with me and talk about Whisky, life or business acumen.

All of my knowledge, experiences and wisdom I have giving away for free continuously.

Like my mate Glenn Marvin would say give with no expectation for a return.

I also shared my emotions freely. Which resonates with others who are in similar situations as you. 

Individuals & Small Business owners on LinkedIn, they are real with real problems often similar to mine. And talking about them helps, because if we talk about them we can help each other.

But lucky for me I sell a product or service that revolves around celebrating. And in 2019 i have had a lot to celebrate about. A Year of many wins however small, i always shared them.

Things i have hated about LinkedIn in 2019.

Unfortunately I still come across people on LinkedIn who absolutely reek of desperation. Sell Sell Sell within seconds of connecting digitally.

If i could give these people one piece of advice it would be to follow the above laid out steps I have taken to create an Incredible “ LinkedIn Tribe “.

A tribe i will continue to nurture and grow in 2020.

Importance of offline Networking in 2020

Business cards is such a nuisance, not many keep them anymore. At an average cost of nearly 20 cents each, might as well give that money to charity.

Well i still spent close to $1000 on them in 2019.

Because we are expected to hand one out. We have got Uber, Lime Scooters, Tik Tok in 2020 but people are still giving out business cards.

Or expecting one....

How hard would it for you to whip out your Smartphone in 2020 and E-Connect on LinkedIn instead?

In 2020 Build your own Tribe in LinkedIn for free for results like this:

You have absolutely nothing to lose but all of the world to gain...

Ash Parmar

Check out:

www.eightpm.co.nz if you are in need of a dram.

www.ashparmar.co.nz to follow more of my Journey.