What Every CEO Needs to Know About Crushing LinkedIn for Growth

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Starting a new role as CEO/cat herder has been an exciting (and slightly overwhelming) adventure. One thing I’ve leaned into during this transition is LinkedIn—It’s more than just a business card in the cloud—when used right, it’s an incredible tool for growth, connection, and making some noise.

In this edition, I’ll walk you through how I’ve been using LinkedIn to build connections, attract leads, and share my journey. Whether you’re a leader looking to grow your business or just trying to get more out of LinkedIn, these tips will help you kick things up a notch.

What You'll Learn in This Edition

1. Sharing Your Journey (But Not Oversharing)
2. Why Relationships Matter (Before You Need Them)
3. Be a Thought Leader (Even If “Thought Leader” Sounds Lame)
4. LinkedIn Micros: Big Impact in 60 Seconds
5. Consistency Without Losing Your Soul

1. Sharing Your Journey (But Not Oversharing)

When I shared the news about my new role,the comments, messages, and connections came flooding in. Former bosses, long-lost colleagues, and mentors all popped up. It felt like a high school reunion, except less awkward and more fun. People crave real stories—so don’t overthink it.

Pro Tip: Skip the fluff and show up as yourself. People connect with authenticity, not the “buttoned-up LinkedIn version” we’ve all been taught to imitate. Share the wins and the challenges.

2. Build Relationships Before You Need Them

LinkedIn is all about relationships, and I’ve learned that engagement works best when it’s proactive.? LinkedIn isn’t Tinder for leads—it’s about relationships. Don’t wait until you’re desperate to reach out to people. Show up in the comments, cheer on your network, and build connections when things are chill.?

Tip: Block out 15-20 minutes each day to interact with your network. Small actions—like leaving a thoughtful comment—go a long way. Think of it as planting seeds for some rad future collaborations.

3. Thought Leadership Doesn’t Have to Be Gross

A “thought leader” might sound like someone who collects inspirational posters. I know, I know. I see it all over my feed, too. But here’s the deal: When you consistently talk about things you know—like innovation, leadership, or GTM strategies—you become someone people look to for insights. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up.

Pro Tip: Focus on a few themes you care about. You’re not trying to win a popularity contest—just sharing what you know and making an impact.

4. The Power of LinkedIn Micros for Lead Generation

LinkedIn Micros: Big Impact in 60 Seconds

Quick, punchy videos are where it’s at. I’ve been experimenting with LinkedIn micros—short videos packed with value. These little clips are like punk rock songs—short, fast, and in your face. They spark conversations and generate leads like crazy.

Pro Tip: Keep it under 60 seconds. Hit hard, say what you need to say, and leave them wanting more. Remember, it's just three chords and the truth.

5. Consistency Without Losing Your Soul

The trick to staying relevant on LinkedIn is consistency, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a robot. I use a content calendar to stay on track while keeping things flexible. Some days, it’s a leadership insight; other days, it’s just me riffing on what’s happening in the world.

It’s totally ok to use ChatGPT to generate content ideas. Just remember that there is alot of AI content noise out there, so make sure the content is authentic to you (meaning it sounds like you, aligns with your beliefs, and makes sense).?

?Pro Tip: Plan your content, but don’t overthink it. If it feels forced, ditch it and post something real. Think of it as a mixed tape: everything shouldn’t sound the same or have the same energy - keep it interesting!

TL;DR: What You Need to Remember

• Be real: Skip the fake stuff—just show up as you are.
• Engage daily: Plant seeds by commenting and interacting with your network.
• Stick to your themes: Be the go-to person in your niche.
• Make videos: Use short, punchy content to spark conversations.
• Stay consistent: But keep it fun. Don’t let the calendar rule you.

What’s Your Favorite LinkedIn Hack?

I’d love to hear how you make LinkedIn work for you. Drop a comment or DM me—let’s swap ideas!