What To Say and How To Say It on LinkedIn: 3 Easy Rules
how to know whether to post or not to post on linkedin.
If you’ve been friends for a while, it’s no secret that I’m a huge LinkedIn supporter. I know it has a different set of rules than Facebook and Instagram, so I want to help you see the real value it can bring to your career and entrepreneurial endeavors!
It can be tricky to crack the code that is LinkedIn: How can it be both business (professional) and pleasure (social)? Would you let your boss, or better yet, your CEO, follow you on Instagram? Where should you draw the line when it comes to LinkedIn so that you still establish yourself as an expert but save yourself from walking around work with a target on your back?
Today we’re going to crack the code with 3 valuable content types that will show your expertise AND keep the boss or nosy colleagues at bay.
Let’s start with some basic rules of engagement on LinkedIn. I call this, “to post or not to post”
Run through these quick 3 questions with yourself before deciding to hit Publish when on LinkedIn:
1. Would you feel comfortable openly speaking/writing about this topic with your boss or colleagues at work? Keep the topics professional and leave the social opinions for FaceBook.
2. By posting this, will you still be easily held in a positive light? Stay true to the hard work you've done to build an awesome personal brand. Stay within your integrity. Prospective employers or clients could be noticing your post, too!
3. Ask yourself, am I offering a solution or have I started complaining too much? Feel free to show your value by contributing explanations and ideas, even to industry problems or issues. Refrain from long diatribes of accusations. You never know who's reading or watching.
Now that we’ve set the ground rules we can talk content. What is it, actually, that you should be posting on LinkedIn?
Here are 3 types of content that will be sure to have you looking professional and trustworthy in your field:
1. Share an interesting link or article (in Groups or on your personal page) related to your industry. This could even be something you might share with a prospective client or your boss. Feel free to include your personal take on the matter and why you think it’s a valuable read for others.
2. Publish an article using LinkedIn's publishing feature on a subject where you’re an expert. What do you train people on at work? Could you also write an article to help others in your field at other companies? What surprises you most about being a business owner, your job, or industry?
3. Comment on others' posts and add your thoughts, opinions, or ideas. That’s right, commenting and adding value beyond just your own profile is a form of content too. And don’t forget to refer back to rule #3 above!
Whether you’re one of LinkedIn’s early adopters or someone who hasn’t touched their profile since 3 jobs ago, asserting yourself as a knowledgeable and reliable resource in your field is always a good idea.
I often find that LinkedIn is an incredibly underutilized tool with most of my clients. Mostly due to the fact that we don’t know what to say or how to bridge the gap between social and professional. The 3 rules above will help you to take some baby steps towards becoming a more active user with LinkedIn and ultimately help you succeed in affirming yourself as a trustworthy source in your field and workplace.
I’d love to hear how this article helped you or any other feedback you have, so don’t hesitate to drop me a line :)
Please feel free to check out my LinkedIn profile for article and post examples. Or refer to more ideas on how to stand out on social media here.
Holly works with professionals to create services-based businesses using expertise and strengths they already have. Holly is the creator of The Consultant Code, a program will have you up, running, and profitable with your services-based business in 60 days or less! Want to learn more? Drop her a note at: holly@hollyknoll.com