Why Are You on LinkedIn?
It’s Time to Get Strategic About Your Presence
I’ve worked with tens of thousands of people over the last 30+ years and for the most part, every is on LinkedIn. However, if you look at their profiles, you wouldn’t know it. Yes, they are technically on LinkedIn, but they are not active on LinkedIn. What gives it away? Outdated photos. No banner images. No contact information. No engagement.
As someone who’s coached over 8,000 people on digital presence and employee advocacy, I’ve scored hundreds of profiles through my LinkedIn Scorecard. I found that the majority are barely scratching the surface of what LinkedIn can do for their careers.
Ask yourself: Why are you on LinkedIn? Is it just a list of contacts? A digital Rolodex? Are you saving it for “when you need it,” like when you’re job hunting? If that’s all it is, you are missing out on incredible, hidden opportunities every day. Being active on LinkedIn isn’t just about visibility; it’s about positioning yourself for success for today and tomorrow.
Let’s talk about why being active and intentional on LinkedIn can make all the difference.
1. LinkedIn Can Be Your Gateway to Opportunity—But Only if You’re Active
Opportunities don’t knock if there’s no door to knock on. I’ve secured multiple, six-figure contracts purely because my LinkedIn profile had a working contact email and because I regularly engage on the platform. Yes, the majority of people do not list an email address in their contact information. Would you send out a resume without an email address or phone number?
It’s simple: if a hiring manager or headhunter stumbles upon your profile, but there’s no way to contact you, you’ve just lost a potential career boost. It’s like the age-old saying: “If a tree falls in the woods, does it make a sound if no one’s there?” Without accessibility and engagement, no one is going to see or hear you.
2. Don’t Wait Until You Need a Network to Build One
Networking when you’re gainfully employed is ideal. You have time to nurture relationships, demonstrate thought leadership, and build a foundation for future opportunities. As the saying goes, “When’s the best time to plant a tree? Yesterday. The next best time? Today.” If you’re only building your network when you need something, you’re already behind.
Imagine owning a treadmill but never using it. That’s what it’s like to have a LinkedIn profile but not engage with it. You are not taking full advantage of the tool at your disposal. LinkedIn is collecting dust, just like that unused treadmill in your guest bedroom.
3. LinkedIn Isn’t Just a Job Board; It’s a Platform for Real Conversations
Networking used to require getting up early for networking breakfasts or cutting lunch short for association meetings. LinkedIn has changed that. Now, you can build meaningful connections from your laptop—by simply engaging in discussions. Remember, it’s called social media because you are supposed to engage on the platform.
Let me share an example. A while back, I added a thoughtful comment on a LinkedIn post from Gary Vaynerchuk. No, I’m not a first-degree connection with Gary, but the comment resonated, earning 297 likes and 32 comments. That engagement led to 14 new contacts—people who now see me as a valuable connection. That’s the power of LinkedIn: sparking conversations, showing up, and expanding your network—all without leaving your desk.
Take Action: Why Are You on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is an asset, but only if you choose to invest in it. Take a moment to ask yourself:
- What do I really want from LinkedIn?
- What opportunities am I missing if I’m only doing the bare minimum?
Now flip these questions:
- How much more could I gain if I started showing up consistently, contributing value, and intentionally curating my online presence?
The answer? You’d begin to establish a strong, credible online presence—a concept I call Digital Validation ™. It’s social proof for your career, showcasing your achievements, thought leadership, and potential impact. You want people to search for you and find a story of professional success, not just a name.
Get Started Today
LinkedIn is more than a place to list your job title; it’s where you can validate your professional standing, build a network, and position yourself as someone who adds value. So, don’t wait for tomorrow. Invest in LinkedIn today, and watch it become one of your most powerful career assets.
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My next online Digital Validation™ course starts April 21, 2025. Transform your online presences!
https://focuxedmarketing.mykajabi.com/digital-validation-TM?preview_theme_id=2158895090
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