Old School Publicity vs. New School PR
In the past, career publicity meant beefing up your resume, joining professional associations, doing charity work, or speaking at conferences. If you were lucky, maybe a local paper wrote an article about your latest achievement.
But today?
The game has changed. You do not need to wait for someone else to tell your story—you have the tools to do it yourself, and, more importantly, you can start right now.
Enter: Digital Validation™
With today’s digital landscape, building your career isn’t just about landing that next job; it’s about building professional social proof that does the heavy lifting for you. I call this Digital Validation ™ —the result of curating a strong, intentional online presence – one that will precede you. LinkedIn is your best stage, and it’s vastly underutilized by professionals.
The Shift: From Offline to Online
Old School PR:
- Relying on a resume to speak for you.
- Networking only when you need a job.
- Speaking at conferences, hoping someone notices.
- Crossing your fingers for a newspaper or industry feature.
New School PR:
Actively engaging on LinkedIn, positioning yourself as a thought leader, and adding value to the conversations that are important to you every day.
Why LinkedIn?
For starters, 85% of executives are already there. And, because they’re going to Google you. Headhunters, recruiters, and hiring managers will check you out online long before they reach out. Your resume? It’s just one piece of the puzzle now.
Be Active; Be Visible
Most professionals only think about networking when they’re job hunting. And that’s way too late. To build real visibility, you need to show up consistently—and I don’t mean posting about your company’s latest product launch or sharing generic motivational quotes.
What does being active on LinkedIn look like?
- Share things of value:
Offer insights, stories, and resources that showcase your expertise.
- Nurture relationships:
Comment meaningfully on others’ posts. Don’t just “like” things or say, “Congrats!”
- Position yourself as a Subject Matter Expert (#SME):
Add value by offering real perspectives and unique takes that set you apart.
- Engage intentionally:
Your activity should reflect your experience, not just in your field, but also your thought leadership.
The Hidden Value of Digital Validation™
By consistently positioning yourself as a thought leader and expert in your domain, you start to attract attention — and not just from your immediate circle.
Real example:
I wasn’t looking for a job when a headhunter reached out to me for a project with Michael Dell. Why?
Because I’d been actively showcasing my expertise and sharing insights online. I had created Digital Validation ™ and it was doing its job—building a strong, consistent online professional presence — professional social proof that made me stand out to opportunities I hadn’t even known existed.
Job Boards Don’t Work
Let’s face it—applying to job postings online rarely leads to success anymore. You end up in a pile with hundreds of others, or worse, stuck in an algorithm filter. Instead, focus on building your professional brand – your social proof – your own digital validation ™ — so that people come to you.
When you have a strong, consistent and professional digital presence, you’re not just another resume. You’re a known quantity—a professional who’s been pre-validated by your own online activity.
Take Control of Your Story
In today’s world, your professional reputation *precedes* you, but only if you’ve built it strategically. Think of yourself as your own publicist:
– What’s your narrative?
– What’s the message you’re sending with your posts and comments?
– Are you presenting yourself as the go-to expert in your field?
Start Now
If you’re not actively managing your career’s online footprint, you’re missing out on countless opportunities that will never reach you.
It’s time to stop hoping for a headhunter to call or waiting for someone to notice your resume. Instead, become your own publicist by creating your Digital Validation ™—and let your online presence do the talking.
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