Writing On LinkedIn

It is terrifying, isn't it?

To write a post on a platform full of professionals - LinkedIn.

Although there are many things to be afraid about in the world - as you may agree - but writing on LinkedIn may take more courage than it seems. We fear that others would judge. Therefore the content that we created never came to light, remained as draft.

We often think so lightly about ourselves, especially when we have fewer achievements or not having high positions. I believe that is because we compare ourselves others with instead of comparing with who we were.

If you are plain lazy to write and comfortable to stay anonymous by reading others' content, this article might serve as another random article you read online. However, if you are keen share a post on LinkedIn but struggling to find the right moment to post, please continue reading with an open heart.

I have to put this upfront that I am not here to brag. I may have not many achievements in writing on LinkedIn and in my life as well, but I look forward to exploring different ways of viewing things that are happening by changing my perspective and managing my expectations. Also, I like doing things differently as long as it makes sense to me and it does not hurt others along the way.

I have no facts or study research about this. Hence, it would have a lot of me appearing as it is my experience and thoughts towards writing on LinkedIn. However, I do hope that you would be able to see the joy to write here.

The beginning of my writing journey

I created a LinkedIn account before I graduated a year ago. The industrial consultant gave a talk and she mentioned that it is important to have a LinkedIn account. Back then, I could not see the purpose of having this social media as it is boring, only adults are using it, and I thought it is only for the professionals. I preferred Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat over it. They are more lively and happening platform than LinkedIn. LinkedIn was left to grow dust.

As I started to look for a job, my best friend suggested searching on LinkedIn. She said that she received offers here. I took her advice and begin swiping for jobs. No luck, Tinder has a better chance to secure an "offer". Maybe it is due to the empty profile (recently, I get to know that it would be quicker to land an interview if I were to approach recruiters, try it).

Scrolling through the posts, I realized the connections are not only posting content regard to their profession but they also post funny and interesting content that was happening around them, especially celebration for completing a course or getting a promotion. It made me think that I can utilize this platform as well so that I can quickly get a job.

Breaking the thoughts to have engagements

Despite the fact that I realized that I could write here just like the others, I did not know what to write. I ended up liking and sharing others' posts. Occasionally, I would share my thoughts and experience, and the writing experience was not pleasant. I am getting 5 likes from 100 to 200 views.

Back then, I was writing for the wrong reason. It was all about getting plenty of reactions and views which was the ultimate reason I stopped writing on LinkedIn for months. I wanted many reactions and viewership. I thought maybe this is not the platform for me. I am better off at Facebook where a simple post like "You have not logged out from your account, please remember to log out next time." would easily gain 100 likes.

As I grew older, I realized that these reactions should not be the reason that stops me from writing. It should serve as an encouragement rather than confirmation that the content I created is worthy. It shall be the purpose of writing here.

When I realized that, it was liberating. I feel that I can achieve so much with my writings, making impact and providing different point of view. It makes me eager to write. I no longer writing with the intention to gain reactions. I write because I want to.

Content creation

Personally, I love organic content. In this informative era, copycats are among us. I bet you have seen posts that are the same from different connections. I do not want to have that on my posts. Some connections might have posted what I wanted to share, but I make sure that my style of writing is different from the original content, though the underlying message is the same.

My process of writing a post is not really recommended to follow, but for the sake of sharing why I enjoy writing, hear me out. I would always come up with a draft in my mind at night. Then I would type it on "Start a post" before happily click on the "post" button the next day.

The content usually is based on my observations on things that are happening around me, then I would recall if there are any similar experiences that happened. After that, I would come up with some thoughts and lessons (if there is) and put them into simple words that I know.

My style of writing for my posts are inspired by @Eric Siew, having Malaysian "Rojak" language and write as if you speak. I am far away from writing as interesting as he does, but we are not in a competition. Do check out his profile, you would not be disappointed.

Personal branding - be authentic, be you.

Without a specific niche in mind, I thought of writing about myself by putting my experience and thoughts into words. Well, writing on social media technically means that I am telling the world who I am and what I do. Name and title do not justify who we are, anyone could have the same name and title as us. What makes us unique?

I am a person who is a man of my word but I am only loyal to the words that I voluntarily commit to. If I was manipulated or being forced, it would not last for long before I break the promise I made. I would not able to commit but circumstances may have push me to give a promise at that time.

As I saw the possibility to grow and to be a better person utilizing this platform, I vowed that I would write an organic post every day. It is a promise that I made to myself and I am keeping it.

Some might say, why stressed to write every day here? To be honest, it was never stressful for me to write here. I enjoy the time writing on this platform. It gives me satisfaction and it turns out to be a hobby of mine. No worries, I do it during my free time. Hence the late replies and late-night posts. Have to deal with reality first!

My goal is to provide joyous and surprise read every day to you through #felixposts. If my post happened to inspire or encourage you, it would be a bonus for both of us. If you have not followed my hashtag, do click in to check it out. Think of it as a box of chocolate, you will never know what you would get.

Psst... It would mean a lot to me if you are generous enough to follow my #felixposts.

Shifting the mindset of "I will be judged"

If I were to constantly feed myself with the thought that "I am going to be judged", you probably will not be knowing my existence. I would not post anything here or anywhere else. Heck, I would not be creating content either. I do not want this to happen to me, we live in a world where humans dominate almost everything, and I want to leave a mark in this world even it is a small mark.

Too bad that I cannot kill the thought of it. It was buried in my subconscious, it is a challenge to rise above from it. However, I learned to shift this thought and to just do it. I told myself, this is what I wanted to do.

I want to write and bring joyous read to the community. I can deal with angry and offensive comments later on. Fortunately, I have yet to get one and I certainly do not wish to have one.

Everyone judge. It is unavoidable. It is just a matter of good or bad, and I believe it is human nature to judge. Nevertheless, it comes down to us to make a decision to embrace it or run from it. This applies not only to writing on LinkedIn.

Adding target, quests, or missions to make writing fun

When it came to a point where I gain traction, I started giving myself tiny goals to celebrate. I truly believe that it is important to celebrate little victories as it provides more meaning to life. So, I would come up with imaginary quests every time I finish posting a post.

Small target such as:

• I want this particular Connection to comment.
• I want to hit how many likes.
• I want how many 2nd Connection to comment.
• I want how many shares for my post.
• I want to get how many more connections requests from people who viewed my post.
• I want what kind of comment.

It varies every day depending on what I post. I would anticipate what I would get. Life is full of surprises ya know. It is thrilling to know that you got it right for something that is unpredictable.

Whenever my target achieved, I feel like I hit the jackpot or as if when the judges turned around when I sing at The Voice. Just imagine 4 judges turned for your singing, except this is The Words. Of course, they are solely my imagination, don't think my voice would be able to make it through the selection rounds.

However, it would not kill my motivation to write even if I did not achieve my quests. It is for the excitement of writing online.

Conclusion

Writing on LinkedIn may not be as terrifying as it seems. It could be our mind playing tricks on us. I found that this is a friendly platform where many of the professionals with a massive amount of connections and experience would be there to support you, answer your queries, and providing opinions and advice.

They are humble even though they had achieved so much in their life and willing to share their experience. Connect with them, ask questions, share your experience and thoughts. They would show their support in many ways.

Mr. @Ishak Karim is one fine example of the humble professional whom have supported me throughout my writing journey. He would always share his experience and advice. Do connect with him if you are looking to improve your resume.

Have fun and you would learn something new every day. Think of it as social media if you are still hesitating to write due to fear or shyness, take off the thought of this is a professional platform (if it eases you).

They are also human. They have been through worse to get to where they are today, but that does not change the fact that we have to be respectful to each other. Unless your posts are offensive and inappropriate.

Enjoy your writing when you are ready. Do give me a tag if this article helps you to gain courage writing on LinkedIn.

Remember: Be Yourself.

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About the author:

Felix Wong is a casual writer who writes about his experiences and thoughts in simple words. He believes in storytelling and views it is a powerful tool to get in touch with people. He enjoys listening to others' stories as he perceives that one cannot learn or have enough time to experience everything by themselves. We can learn from other's mistakes.

Connect with Felix or follow #felixposts for more surprise read.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/felixwongkw/