If you’ve been lurking on LinkedIn, now’s the time to break free and start engaging. Here are some practical tips to help you start posting and opening new doors.
Put Your 2 Cents In
One of my favorite features on LinkedIn is the “Repost with your thoughts” button. It’s like LinkedIn is practically begging us to share our thoughts on what others post. So yes, you officially have permission to do just that! This not only helps you engage with your network but also increases your visibility as someone who contributes valuable insights. It’s a simple way to start conversations and connect with others who are interested in the same topics.
More New Friends
I know, I know, Drake said, “no new friends,” but seeing the same 50 people pop up on your feed gets old fast. Start connecting with folks you find interesting—trust me, it makes the conversations a lot better. Plus, expanding your network can open doors to new opportunities and ideas that you wouldn’t encounter otherwise. It’s all about broadening your horizons and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Think Out Loud
Make like Ed Sheeran and “Think Out Loud.” Why keep your laundry list of thoughts to yourself? Turn them into a string of LinkedIn posts. You never know who might share those same thoughts or have the answers you’re looking for. Sharing your ideas can establish you as a thought leader and can attract like-minded professionals. It’s a great way to build your personal brand and spark meaningful engagement.
Embrace The Cringe
Look, when you’re passionate about something, you’re bound to sound “cringe” to someone who doesn’t get it. And if you post something cringe-worthy, or with a typo, or that just misses the mark? Who cares—you can always change it. Or not. At least you’re getting your thoughts out there. Remember, the fear of making mistakes should never hold you back from expressing yourself. Every post is a learning opportunity and a step towards becoming more comfortable with public discourse.
So, What Are You Posting?
Not sure what to post? Here’s where to start:
Thought Leadership
- Opinion Piece: Write a brief post about a change you’d like to see in your industry. Explain why it’s important and how it could benefit professionals in your field.
- Reflections on Industry Trends: Share your insights on where the industry is heading, potentially drawing comparisons with other industries or historical trends.
Personal Development
- Learning Experience: Talk about a recent workshop or seminar you attended, what you learned, and how you plan to apply these new skills.
- Career Milestones: Celebrate a work anniversary or a new qualification you’ve earned, discussing what these milestones mean for your career path.
Networking
- Event Networking: Before attending a professional event, post about your participation, what you hope to learn, and invite others to connect if they are also attending.
- Asking for Advice: Post a question about a challenge you’re facing at work to gather diverse perspectives from your network.
Content Sharing
- Book Recommendations: Share a book that has influenced your professional life, including key takeaways and how they can be applied in the workplace.
- Interesting Articles: Post about an intriguing article you’ve read recently, tagging the author or source, and adding your thoughts on why it’s relevant.
Community Building
- Group Discussions: Start a discussion on a topic you’re passionate about and invite your connections to share their thoughts and experiences.
- Polls: Create a poll asking for opinions on an industry-specific issue or decision you’re pondering, encouraging interaction and debate.
Creative Outputs
- Behind-the-Scenes: Give a sneak peek into a project you’re working on, sharing the process and any unexpected hurdles or successes.
- Inspirational Quotes: Post a quote that motivates you, explaining why it resonates and how it applies to your professional life.