01 Apr Are You “On” LinkedIn or ACTIVE on LinkedIn?

I’ve learned a lot since being more active on LinkedIn. What I haven’t quite figured out yet is why more C-suite and other business leaders aren’t taking advantage of the platform. 

They might be “on” LinkedIn, but aren’t active and lack an updated profile (some don’t even have a photo). It takes more than just showing up to reap the benefits LinkedIn affords.

One of the biggest opportunities is to showcase authenticity. People who buy from you, or who work for you, want to know you’re more than a title. 

Start with Authenticity, Build from There

Being actively engaged, sharing your journey, your challenges, and your victories, does more than just build your personal brand. It demonstrates a commitment to transparency and engagement, offering a competitive edge by fostering trust. 

This trust is invaluable, not just in attracting customers but also in making your company more appealing than its competitors.

Here are some additional benefits to being a regular participant on LinkedIn.

1) Professional Branding: LinkedIn allows individuals and companies to showcase their professional identity online. This includes sharing their career history, achievements, skills, and expertise. A well-maintained LinkedIn profile acts as a dynamic resume that can attract potential employers, clients, or collaborators.

2) Networking Opportunities: LinkedIn’s vast network of professionals across various industries makes it an invaluable tool for building and maintaining professional relationships. Users can connect with peers, mentors, industry leaders, and potential business partners, expanding their professional network beyond geographical boundaries.

3) Insight and Knowledge Sharing: Through posts, articles, and discussions, LinkedIn provides a platform for sharing and gaining insights on the latest industry trends, innovations, and best practices. This continuous learning and sharing of knowledge can position users as thought leaders in their fields.

4) Increased Visibility and Reach: Active participation on LinkedIn through posting content, engaging with others’ posts, and joining groups can significantly increase a user’s visibility and reach within their industry. This heightened presence can lead to more opportunities for collaboration, career advancement, and business growth.

5) Building Trust and Credibility: Regularly sharing valuable content, insights, and contributing to discussions can establish a user as a credible and trusted professional in their field. This trust is crucial for building meaningful professional relationships and attracting business opportunities. It also serves as social proof for CEOs who are thinking about selling their business. Potential buyers might find value in an already established audience. 

6) Market Research and Insights: LinkedIn offers rich insights into market trends, competitor activities, and potential customer needs through its various features like LinkedIn Pulse and industry-specific groups. This information can be invaluable for strategic planning and decision-making.

7) Lead Generation and Sales: For entrepreneurs and businesses, LinkedIn can serve as a potent tool for lead generation and sales. By targeting content and outreach efforts to specific audiences, companies can directly engage with potential clients, partners, and customers on the platform. 

8) Access to Talent: LinkedIn is a global platform, offering companies access to a vast pool of talent. Businesses can leverage LinkedIn for talent acquisition, from posting job openings to searching for candidates with specific skill sets, making the recruitment process more efficient and effective.

Your Story Is a Powerful Asset

I’ve been lucky to have some great conversations with CEOs and other folks who are doing LinkedIn “right,” sharing their stories with me and really opening up about the highs and lows of running an organization.

Whether you’re just starting out or steering a multinational company, remember that your most powerful asset might just be your own story. Let’s commit to being more open, sharing our true selves, and engaging sincerely with our audience. Here’s to the genuine connections that drive us forward.

If you want to learn more about my approach to leveraging LinkedIn, I’m happy to share. You can contact me here via my website or email me directly at michael@consultstraza.com.