We asked our own Rachel Howard to scroll through her LinkedIn profile and see how it’s going on “the world’s largest professional network on the internet.”
Here’s her report from the front (of her computer):
Sigh.
A quick scroll through my feed brought up a poem about a man waiting for the bus, a selfie of a woman kicking up leather-clad legs (and displaying way too much armpit) below a quote about gratitude, and a video of an airline billionaire slow-motion walking through an airport.
We are all for fantastic, life-affirming stuff that belongs anywhere but LinkedIn. There was a time when you’d see “Take it to Facebook” comments under posts like these, and even as LinkedIn’s latest campaign asks “What’s professional anyway,” come on. Has the line between professional and personal become so confused that our social media behavior has followed suit?
Let’s be clear, we love that stuff and will follow a random account to learn about the best burrito spot in West Berlin, but we’re not going to LinkedIn for that info.
We’re going there to learn about “business” and find people that are interested in doing “business.” We believe — and advise our clients of this all the time — that LinkedIn is the place to go to build credibility.
So, friends, let’s post things on the “business” platform that score low on the “eye-roll scale.” We thank you in advance.
Just the other day, we saw this post: “As I walked through the misty streets on my daily 5am walk, I couldn’t help but tear up as I watched the sun light the beautiful morning sky with pastel pinks and blues. I felt so much gratitude that I get to wake up every day next to my partner and best friend, do the work I love, and lead a team of employees that feels like family…”
Professional advice: open an Instagram account
Or, spin your post to express gratitude for your life and career through content that brings value to your network. Highlight a recent professional accomplishment by one of your employees or colleagues who you’re grateful for. Share your partner’s LinkedIn profile and something specific you admire about them (but please keep it PG). Thank a mentor who helped you build the life and career you love so much — and maybe even share some of your favorite learnings and missteps along the way.
And then, this one that feels like something that should be on a Tinder profile: “Now that I’m a digital nomad working from Thailand, I sweat it out daily at my local crossfit gym. After a killer workout, it’s only a 30-minute walk to beautiful beaches — and the cost of living is great. Have you found any great gyms on your travels as a digital nomad?”
Professional advice: you don’t have to post everything you think.
But, if you feel like you do (and maybe you have some great information about leading a digital nomad lifestyle). How does one go about picking a place to post up for a few months? What are the five things someone should consider before packing up and striking out?
You’re out there living your best life. We’re here for it, but on LinkedIn, give people the facts about how you set up your business to be successful while doing business out in the world. Be a resource. Be an inspiration.
The content that we love seeing on LinkedIn is how people tie their work lives to their “real” lives and bring value to the people who follow them. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with expressing your humanity, but there is a way — and a place — to do so that could better serve your objectives.
Okay. Thoughts?
