Some thoughts on why I believe why LinkedIn is essential. First off, LinkedIn has 500 million professional profiles. As a result, there is an unlimited supply of network job opportunities and connections. Too often people only sign into their LinkedIn profile when they are searching for a new opportunity. Small business owners sign on when they are promoting their product or service. LinkedIn is not a place where you continuously talk about yourself or your business. LinkedIn is a place where you engage so your network thinks of you when an opportunity arises. It’s a place where you share relevant information. Either by creating it your own, sharing other people’s content, or commenting on your network’s content.
LinkedIn is similar to a talented employee who doesn’t understand their self-worth.
It’s quite interesting. You know that exceptional sales person that’s “killing it” but doesn’t have the confidence to ask for more money. That’s where LinkedIn seems to be, for now. Afterall, all good things come to an end. So start taking advantage of the organic reach you get with LinkedIn.
WHY SHOULD I BE ON LINKEDIN?
The answer to this varies depending upon what your goals are. Small business owners may have a different approach than an executive. However, the general idea is the same. There is one thing for sure; just about everyone should be on this excellent social media platform called LinkedIn.
Let me help you navigate you through the murky waters of LinkedIn.
I’M COMFORTABLE AT MY JOB AND I AM NOT LOOKING FOR A NEW OPPORTUNITY
Let’s start with this group since it’s my personal favorite. It’s the ideal time when you should be posting and engaging on LinkedIn. Regardless of your position. Whether you are an administrative assistant or a high-level executive, LinkedIn is where you want to share your knowledge in your chosen industry.
Let’s say that you are an admin for a wealth manager. Posting market trends on LinkedIn will show others that you are passionate and current in your industry. You will receive the attention of the people that can give you opportunities. As a result, opportunities may come about that you never expected. Patience is a virtue.
When you are comfortable at your job that’s when it’s most important to be thoroughly engaged on LinkedIn, by default, you won’t look desperate. When things are going well, it’s easier to engage in an organic manner rather than in a tone that seems unauthentic.
Deliver consistent content and the people that you want to notice you will.
However, this is what I call the long game., it’s easier to succeed when you are currently happy to be able to play the “long game successfully”. That’s why when you are ready to exit your current role or forced to; this is tougher to accomplish. Start engaging when everything is going well. It’ll also be more fun.
FOR THE BUSINESS OWNER / ENTREPRENEUR
Well, this is an easy one. Most of this is helpful for the corporate business person. Organic Reach! The organic reach by definition is: “Organic reach is the number of people who have seen your post through unpaid distribution.” The benefits of organic reach are that when you publish a post a lot of your network sees it. With Facebook, if you post on your business page, you don’t get the organic reach that you do on LinkedIn. Facebook’s business model is for its users to pay for others to businesses posts. With Facebook, it’s essential to boost your post with a targeted audience.
When I talk about organic reach, that’s what I mean here, with LinkedIn your network will see it for days. Best of all it’s free. Once upon a time in the natural world of social media, Facebook was a great place to get value. However, unlike the naive salesperson that I talked about above, Facebook said, “enough is enough.” It’s in my opinion LinkedIn, for most, is worthwhile
GO FOR IT
Just go for it. Get on LinkedIn and see what it’s about. Feel it out. Comment on some of your networks post. Don’t get political or post pictures of your food. That’s for Facebook. Scroll to see whom you are connected with and see if they would like to connect. Don’t be shy. Do you best to only connect with friends, family, and or colleagues. Have fun, post newsworthy articles that relate to your industry. Post some of your original content. Facebook has a few ways to do this. You can make a simple post or write a LinkedIn article. There are many ways to get noticed. Have fun with it!
