LinkedIn Is More Than a Resume & Rolodex
I watched someone my age try to explain 1980s office life to their 13-year-old – and the kid had no idea what a Rolodex was. It made me laugh, then pause. Because somewhere along the way, we moved from physical contact lists and paper resumes to something far more powerful – and most people still treat it like it’s just a digital version of what came before.
So let’s set the record straight:
- LinkedIn is not your resume.
- And it sure as hell isn’t your dusty old Rolodex either.
Yet so many people still treat it like both – a static place to park their job history and collect connections like business cards at a conference. But that’s missing the whole point.
A Resume is Static. LinkedIn is Alive.
Your resume is a snapshot – a moment in time. It’s fixed. Final. And mostly focused on facts.
But LinkedIn? That’s your story in motion.
LinkedIn is a living, breathing signal of who you are, what you care about, how you lead and how you engage. You’re not just listing your credentials – you’re showing your character.
Want to stand out? Stop treating LinkedIn like a job board. Start treating it like a reputation engine.
Facts Tell. Stories Sell.
A resume tells someone what you’ve done. LinkedIn shows them how you think.
- Your About section reveals your voice and purpose.
- Your comments reveal your empathy and insights.
- Your posts show your value-add, your perspective, your leadership.
And the beautiful part? It’s always on. Long before someone schedules a call, reads your proposal or offers an interview – they’ve already googled you. What they find on LinkedIn can move you to the top of their list… or quietly disqualify you.
LinkedIn is Your Storefront
Whether you’re job-seeking, client-hunting, keynote-speaking or just trying to build or strengthen your online presence – LinkedIn is your front storefront. People will stop by. They’ll peek in the windows. They’ll make assumptions based on what they see.
You might not be able to control what people say about you. But you can control what they see when they look.
And that’s power.
You Don’t Need to Go Viral. You Just Need to Show Up.
You do not have to be a content creator. You just need to be present.
Like something. Share something useful. Comment with context and thoughtfulness. Ask good questions.
People remember people who make them feel seen. And the best way to be remembered? Add value consistently. Quietly. Confidently.
Your Network Has a Network
A Rolodex held names. LinkedIn reveals relationships.
You’re not just connected to someone – you’re visible to their connections, too. And their connections. Which means opportunities you never saw coming can come find you.
But that only happens if you show up. If you contribute. If you participate.
Let LinkedIn Be Your Living Proof
I’m not saying the resume is dead. Okay – maybe I am saying that. Or at least, it’s on life support.
Because in a world where your next client, colleague or opportunity is just one click away from your name – a dusty resume isn’t going to cut it.
But a living, breathing presence that reflects your values, voice and vibe? That is your proof of life, value and more.
Want more? This is just a taste of what I cover in Chapter 4 of my upcoming book, where I dive deep into how LinkedIn can be used to build your digital presence, validate your expertise and attract the right kind of attention – long before you ever need it.
Stay tuned. Or better yet – start showing up.
Your story is already unfolding. LinkedIn is just where the world gets to see it.
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