Getting Started on LinkedIn Made Simple
Where to start on LinkedIn? There's so much to learn. You need a bunch of content first. Your network is small. What if you do it wrong? Is it even the right channel for you?
If you're like many other experts I know, you've likely felt thoughts like these mucking around in your brain.
All the hesitation around getting going on LinkedIn can feel a bit daunting, especially if you're unsure where to start -- tactics, strategies, to-do lists, automation tools, connection hacks, algorithm talk and MORE.
What if you knew *exactly* what to do on LinkedIn, so that you can shift from being the "best-kept secret" in your industry to that sought-after expert?
In this next episode of Mondays with Mindi, we're going to talk about what YOU can do now to get started on LinkedIn the right way to become that visible expert in your niche!
P.S. It's not as complex as many LinkedIn or social gurus make it out to be 😉
Many experts, who refer to themselves as “the industry’s best kept secret” are struggling to figure out what to do on LinkedIn at the beginning.
How do they go from being an invisible professional to becoming known as the “go-to expert” in their niche and industry?
Too often, they get into the tactics straight away and start googling - how to get started on LinkedIn, how to update my LinkedIn profile, how to grow my network.
Every article is going to deluge you with MORE information than you could possibly implement with the time you have available. And, you’re left with all this “how to” content from experts that should help you, but in reality, it makes you feel even more overwhelmed.
Why do experts have to complicate LinkedIn?
I mean, shouldn’t it be a straightforward approach where you don’t need to get into the weeds of understanding EVERYTHING about how it works OR have to become a total social media-aholic OR a data scientist to untangle the algorithm OR a complete “in your face” salesperson who’s so direct it just makes you gag?
Ever had these thoughts run through your head? I have, too.
Even as a professional who’s been using LinkedIn consistently for more than a decade, I STILL feel like I cannot keep up with all the changes on the platform, and frankly I don’t need to - I only need to focus on what works for me and the dead simple (and seemingly boring) approach I use to get the results I want, what my clients want, and what my students are seeking.
...so not to worry, LinkedIn is NOT as hard as experts make it out to be. Those of us actually getting the results we want are NOT buried in data or how-to books or paying through the nose for “high-level strategic LinkedIn consulting” on a regular basis.
Getting started on LinkedIn is NOT difficult if you know exactly what to focus on from the get-go and you have a clear intention for the channel.
How much time do you need to get started?
One mistake that many people make when exploring LinkedIn as one of their ways to communicate with their tribe, build expertise, and strengthen their personal brand (either inside a 9-5 or running their own business), is that they need to spend a TON of time learning about LinkedIn and gearing up for it.
They tend to play the comparison game looking at other people in the field who have a bigger audience, more engagement, look ah-maz-ing on LinkedIn, and have it all together.
Those thoughts of “how will I ever do that?!” I still have a job, and I’m in my 9-5. I don’t have time to learn all of that, and do I even WANT to learn all of that to make LinkedIn work for me.
I’m not a social media person.
I don’t have a lot of content.
I don’t need to “fill my pipeline or get sales calls,” so what else is LinkedIn used for?
I don’t need a job right now, why do I need LinkedIn?
Experts of all stripes discount LinkedIn UNTIL they need it. Something happens in their business, or they have an aha and realize they want a new job, or they want to amp up their impact, start a new career path.
Then, they come to LinkedIn with this sense of urgency:
OMG! I need a job like yesterday.
I have NO SALES, and I need to get on some one-on-one calls. Can you help me?
The mistake is that they don’t learn the basics of LinkedIn BEFORE they are put into a dire situation, where it’s like “I have to make this work, or else.”
That desperation or urgent mindset is going to come across on LinkedIn, if you’re not careful, and it could actually sabotage all of your efforts.
On paper, you may be doing all of the right things, but it’s just not working for you, and you don’t know why.
You cannot rush LinkedIn. It’s a long game. It’s kinda’ like a long-term relationship. It’s not that hard to get started and maintain, but you cannot expect to share a LinkedIn post and land a number of six-figure clients straight away.
That’s treating LinkedIn like the lottery, it isn’t.
Getting started on LinkedIn is like starting up a solid network, like building a business from the ground up, like honing your skills as an expert in your field.
LinkedIn is the place where professionals, like you and me, come to network with each other, explore doing good business with other good people, and focus on creating a better workplace and environment for ourselves and others.
This is how I approach LinkedIn - and how I teach and coach my program members to see the platform. This is LinkedIn. It’s special.
Starting on LinkedIn the Right Way
So what do we do to actually get started on LinkedIn?
Start with your mindset and your intention for LinkedIn.
We’ve all hear of Simon Sinek’s famous talk about “finding your why” and that concept is applicable to LinkedIn, as well.
If you’re just getting started on LinkedIn because some expert told you to, you need to do some more thinking about the platform.
Open your mind to resources about LinkedIn to figure out WHY people use LinkedIn, not just WHAT they do on LinkedIn.
Try some different Google and YouTube searches if you’re struggling to figure out WHY people use LinkedIn. You need to be clear on this first.
4 LinkedIn Getting Started Steps
Let’s talk about getting started on LinkedIn without the overwhelm or wondering what to do next!
#1 - Identify the REASON you are using LinkedIn.
Is it to grow your business?
Is it to get more leads?
Are you trying to build a strong personal brand?
Are you wanting to land another job?
Are you switching careers?
Are you eager to start building your LinkedIn network with the right people?
Something else entirely?
The reason you are using LinkedIn will tell you EXACTLY what you should or should not be doing on LinkedIn.
For example, if you’re here to find another job, then you might need to be posting a lot of content on LinkedIn, but your profile better look rock solid!
If you’re here because you’re building a new business and your audience is here, it may not be critically important that you start posting and engaging on LinkedIn.
You need to understand your reason because it dictates the tactics and approach for you.
#2 - Optimize your LinkedIn profile to match that reason.
Your LinkedIn profile is like a mini-website for you, especially if your an expert with a 9-5 and don’t have a website. For those of you with businesses, many times people will look you up here first before they even realize you do have a website.
Optimize your profile according to your REASON for LinkedIn, not just to look pretty or snazzy. Your profile sets the stage for every interaction you’re going to have with professionals and prospects on LinkedIn.
Many of us shift our profiles over time because we go from wanting to land another job to starting a new business to wanting to get into one-to-one conversations with other professionals to building a personal brand.
Your profile is always evolving, but once you nail it ONE time, you’ll understand exactly what to do the next time you need to update (rather than haphazardly tweaking sections and hoping for the best.)
#3 - Start growing your network with the right people.
No matter what business you’re in or which industry or whether you have a corporate job or a position at a startup or are freelancing and doing your own thing, you MUST build a solid network that is aligned with your current REASON for your LinkedIn.
See how everything ties into that reason for using LinkedIn?
Your network IS your net worth. I think that’s a Zig Ziglar quote.
So no matter what happens with your current career, job, or business - when you have a network, you have people who can help you if you decide to make a shift and vice versa. What goes around comes around?
#4 - Get Started on LinkedIn!
Okay, I told you exactly what to do to get started. Know your reason, optimize your profile, and start building your network.
For those of you who feel confident with knowing what each of these three things actually entails and all of the “how to’s” involved, you can run with this advice and just take action.
For the rest of us, it’s very helpful to have a framework or someone helping us along the way to make sure we actually get it done, that it’s done right, and that we know what to do to maintain.
Remember: If you’re new to using LinkedIn or trying to rethink your approach, it all starts with learning these three things - NOTHING else to start.
Focus on your reason first. Get that profile looking rock solid. Start building your network and don't be afraid to put yourself out there.
If you’re looking for that extra edge to get started on the right path, I’m in the process of putting together a small BETA group program called The LinkedIn Accelerator, which is tailored to take you through ALL three of these steps in just five days flat - - one week, and you’re off to the LinkedIn races.
If you’re interested, here’s the link to get on the waitlist and find out a few more details.
