I want to share an experience that could be incredibly valuable for expanding your professional network and creating opportunities. It’s all about being intentional about how you present yourself on LinkedIn.
This past week reinforced how impactful LinkedIn can be when you show up consistently.
Like many of you, I sometimes have doubted whether I should devote energy to being active on LinkedIn. It hasn’t always been obvious how it benefits me, especially since I don’t have thousands of followers.
But this week, I experienced the magic of LinkedIn, and I’m excited to share these moments with you.
If you’re debating whether to keep an updated profile and be actively engaged on LinkedIn, this episode is for you.
Find the full transcript and other resources for women leaders at www.livingwhileleading.com/60.
LinkedIn Magic: 4 Real-World Success Stories
Let me walk you through four experiences I had this week, all because I decided to show up regularly on LinkedIn:
- A learning institute approached me about partnering on a corporate training program. The reason they reached out? They had read my LinkedIn newsletter, which sparked their interest in me.
I realized that sharing valuable content can attract the attention of organizations that align with my goals.
- I started commenting on a talented copywriter’s posts. Eventually, we had a virtual coffee chat, and I hired her to write for me. She completed the project this week, did an excellent job, and saved me a lot of time I would have spent writing the copy myself. This collaboration began simply because I engaged with her content.
- I joined an online community that hosts live events for women on LinkedIn and began actively participating in one of their workshops. This connection allowed me to meet someone in the community, and now we are discussing a potential project together.
- Someone I was introduced to virtually started reading my LinkedIn posts. Since we live in the same city, they reached out to meet in person to learn more about me and my work. That connection wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t consistently shared and engaged.
These connections didn’t happen because I have a massive following. They happened because I intentionally showed up, engaged, and shared.
1 Billion Connections: Why LinkedIn Is Your Career Goldmine for Business Women
Here’s something to think about: currently, LinkedIn has over 1 billion users. That’s 1 billion potential connections, mentors, clients, collaborators—you name it. LinkedIn is a platform you can’t afford to ignore whether you work for yourself or a company.
LinkedIn Launchpad: 3 Easy Steps to Kickstart Your Professional Presence
If you’re hesitant to post or engage on LinkedIn, I get it. But remember, you don’t have to be an influencer to add value. If you’re unsure how to get started or feel overwhelmed, don’t worry.
I have three simple, stress-free tips to help you make LinkedIn work.
Update your profile:
- Start with the basics. Ensure you have a recent, professional profile picture. Use a photo that represents what you look like today—not a photo from 10 years ago or from your vacation. The key is to help people to put a face to the profile.
- Focus on crafting an “About” section that tells the story of who you are and what you do. Avoid recounting your work experience in this section. No one will read it. If you’re uncomfortable writing, this is an excellent use of an AI tool like ChatGPT to help you write your first draft.
- Update your headline to reflect your expertise and any interests or activities that make you stand out.
Engage with Others’ Content: If you’re hesitant to post because you feel you have nothing to say, consider this approach:
- Repost content by finding a post that resonates with you and add your thoughts or perspective when you share it. This shows your interests and adds value without the stress of creating brand-new content.
- Make meaningful comments by engaging thoughtfully with others’ posts. A well-thought-out comment can increase your visibility and help you connect with like-minded professionals. The key is to add value. Comments such as “great post” or “congratulations” won’t make an impact, so put some thought into your responses.
Connect with intention
- Avoid sending random connection requests. Instead, connect with people in your industry or those with similar interests. Include a personalized note explaining why you’d like to connect; this will leave a lasting impression.
By simply showing up, commenting, sharing, and connecting, you’re already making yourself visible and opening up opportunities.
Your LinkedIn Journey Starts Now! 10 Minutes to Career Transformation
LinkedIn has become a platform where consistent engagement leads to meaningful professional relationships and exciting opportunities. If you haven’t been using it or are just getting started, I encourage you to follow the steps you recommended. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Begin today! Dedicate 10 minutes to refreshing your profile, discovering a post that speaks to you, and sharing a thoughtful comment. Then, do it again tomorrow. Making an impact doesn’t require much effort.
Remember, you’re the solution to claiming what’s important to you!
