There are many misconceptions when it comes to LinkedIn.

• It’s only for job seekers: Drop a resume and wait for the offers to come in
• It’s only for sales: Send messages and await the buffet of qualified prospects
• It’s only for office-related content: business, business, numbers, numbers
• It isn’t for small business: Suit and tie required.
• It isn’t for “fill in the blank” industry: If you’re not in, you’re out.

Here’s the truth:

LinkedIn is a site like any other social media channel.

And just like other platforms, it consists of a vast mix of people, industries, and topics.

Strip all the myths away, and it’s a bunch of humans in a shared space with different opinions and agendas.

You know, like life.

The beauty of LinkedIn is its foundation as a connection site.

The goal is not to just team up with your buddies or fans.

Instead it’s to get to know people you don’t already know.

It’s a place where professionals from various industries come together to build relationships, share knowledge, and explore new opportunities.

And it’s an incredibly rich environment for anyone looking to expand their professional network.

Do people treat it as a buffet of endless sales leads?

My inbox….

“Hi Tanya, I am reaching out because I see you are a marketing agency and I’m interested in connecting with like-minded professionals. Do you need support with your client accounting?”

…says “Yes”.

(Note: I’m clearly not a marketing agency which tells you how much they are really paying attention. And this is one of the decent messages, they do get worse)

Here’s the thing:

No one showed up on LinkedIn to be sold to.

It’s not Amazon.

We’re not there to shop.

And all the “hacks” to fake authenticity?

…We’ve seen them, heard them, and got them all in our inbox.

Can you grow your business on LinkedIn?

Absolutely.

…Through connection.

Real authentic old-fashioned conversations.

You know, person-to-person networking.

It’s important to understand that people on the other end of your messages are real humans.

They’ve seen and heard it all.

Those “hacks” or overly promotional tactics rarely work.

Authenticity and genuine networking are what matter most on LinkedIn.

Building relationships based on trust and mutual interests can lead to valuable connections, referrals, and even business opportunities.

Remember, if you’re afraid of feeling salesy but only show up on LinkedIn to sell, then guess what?

You’re being salesy.

Authenticity comes from having genuine intentions and providing value to others.

Have a conversation and let go of the outcome.

It’s not a sales call.

It’s a connection call.

• Someone you connect with could become a friend.
• Someone you connect with could become a cheerleader, liking and sharing all the things you put out there.
• Someone you connect with could become a champion, telling others what to do and sending referrals.

And yes, someone you connect with could become a client.

Show up with curiosity, not an agenda.

Your LinkedIn network can be an incredible resource for leads, trust, champions, and cheerleaders.

It’s important to approach it with the right mindset.

If you view it as just another chore on your list to make money, you’ll miss out on the true potential of the platform and real human connections that can be created.

Ask more questions.

Get to know people more.

Be the expert on everyone else because you asked about them instead of telling them about you.

Focus on building meaningful relationships, engaging with others’ content, and offering support and insights to your network.

By fostering authentic connections, you’ll find that opportunities naturally arise.

When it comes to genuine connections, there’s simply no shortcut.

Authenticity is the name of the game and it’s something you can’t fake or spam.

Trust me, people can sniff out inauthenticity from a mile away.

How do we make the most of LinkedIn without compromising our authenticity?

Well, while there’s no magic formula for connection, there are some tips that can help us navigate the platform’s tools and processes more effectively. It’s about understanding the best practices and algorithms that can boost our reach and deliver the desired results.

But before we dive into those practical tips, let’s consider a few mindset shifts that will set the stage for successful networking on LinkedIn.

First and foremost, let go of the “me, me, me” mentality.

Instead, approach LinkedIn with a genuine desire to connect, learn, and contribute. Focus on building meaningful relationships rather than just collecting contacts.

Secondly, embrace the power of storytelling.

Share your experiences, insights, and passions in a compelling way. Let your personality shine through your posts and interactions. Remember, LinkedIn is not just a digital resume; it’s an opportunity to showcase your unique journey and perspective.

Next, be a giver, not just a taker.

Offer value, support, and expertise to others in your network. Engage in thoughtful conversations, provide helpful resources, and celebrate the successes of your connections. When you give without expecting anything in return, the rewards will naturally follow.

How to show up

Know how it works: Understanding the platform’s features and leveraging them to your advantage can make a significant difference. Familiarize yourself with LinkedIn’s algorithms, posting schedules, and content formats that resonate with your target audience. Stay active, engage with others’ posts, and use relevant hashtags to expand your reach.

Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Initiate or participate in conversations on relevant industry topics or trends to showcase your expertise and engage with others. This helps you establish yourself as a thought leader and creates opportunities for authentic connections.

Personalize Connection Requests: Instead of sending generic connection requests, take the time to personalize them and be clear about your intentions. I like to call out “the elephant in the room” by letting them know I have no ulterior motive or sales pitch waiting for them. If you two have connections or locations in common, mention it and ask about it. This personalized approach demonstrates your genuine interest in connecting and increases the likelihood of an authentic conversation.

Offer Support and Value: Share real ideas and thoughts and invite conversation. And by “real” I mean not by sharing “social media hacks” about asking about their favorite donut for engagement. Share real beliefs, insightful articles, offer advice, opinions, or resources. By actively contributing to your network, you build trust and foster authentic connections based on mutual support and shared interests.