Key Takeaways
- LinkedIn™ offers a unique space for professional growth and personal branding, providing an intellectual environment distinct from more entertainment-focused platforms like Instagram.
- Authenticity is key to success on LinkedIn™, as genuine engagement and connections can lead to unexpected opportunities and transformative experiences.
- Building a vibrant LinkedIn™ presence requires consistent effort, engagement, and support from your growing network and communities like Human to Brand, where members can receive guidance, feedback, and inspiration.
Table of Contents
1. Why LinkedIn™?
Choosing LinkedIn™ as my platform for growing my business was a deliberate decision. It’s where my potential clients are. Although my clients may also be on Instagram, platforms like Instagram are a great place to go for entertainment, while LinkedIn™ provides more of an intellectual space. People are in a different headspace when they logon here.
Initially, my LinkedIn™ journey was dormant, a relic from my past life as a professor, acting coach, and creative. I set up a profile years ago – it seemed like a good idea – but I completely neglected it. I briefly had somebody else step in, copywrite, and manage it for me when I was writing my book, but that didn’t feel authentic. It wasn’t coming from me.
2. Discovering Authenticity
It wasn’t until mid-February 2024 that I felt a strong need to be on LinkedIn™ consistently. I had avoided LinkedIn™ for so long because I thought it would be boring or that I wouldn’t fit in (I’m pretty quirky). I needed help figuring out how to navigate and create content for the platform since it was different from others.
Fortunately, through a single comment from one of my connections, I stumbled upon Melanie Borden‘s post, her profile, and the Human to Brand Community; I immediately realized the potential for authenticity and growth! Frankly, how could I not see it? That one comment led me to a new connection, joining a new community, and increased confidence in posting on LinkedIn™.
It’s pretty amazing to contemplate the positive ripples that a single comment can make. It can further a deep conversation, encourage the person who is vulnerably sharing, or make us laugh or think. And it can take the reader on a whole new LinkedIn™ adventure!!
I never would have thought this person, who left a simple comment on a LinkedIn™ post, would draw me in and change my life. You can connect people without even knowing it.
3. Finding Community
Now, my LinkedIn™ presence is vibrant and active, thanks to the guidance of Melanie and the support of the Human to Brand Community. And I’m having a lot more fun than I thought I would. I feel like I’m certainly starting to get the hang of it.
I’ve transitioned from having a dormant profile to becoming an engaged community member, posting regularly and connecting authentically. I try to post three to four days a week now, this is my newfound commitment to building my personal brand. Engaging with my network has also become a priority, with dedicated time carved out four to five days a week. I spend between 30 minutes to an hour on those days, connecting, reading, chiming in to conversations, and reaching out.
Discovering the Human to Brand Community was serendipitous. The authenticity of Melanie’s message resonated with me, and led to my decision to join the community. I loved Melanie’s authenticity. I could see how she was posting, and it spoke to me.
Within the community, I’ve found support, guidance, and inspiration. I jump in there several times a week, and I even have a friend whom I encouraged to join the community — it’s been fun seeing her post and supporting her there. Getting feedback from people has been a great confidence booster, especially when it came to my personal branding elements (i.e., featured section) and about section.
Through interactions with mentors Melanie and Dan Manning and fellow members, I’ve gained insights into storytelling and personal branding. Storytelling is part of what I help people do. I now feel more safe sharing the highs and lows of my own journey. My biggest takeaway is that LinkedIn™ is thankfully not just about achievements and bragging. Being open and honest is becoming more of a norm for those who are sharing here.
4. Continuing My Journey
As I continue my LinkedIn™ adventure, I’m excited about the possibilities ahead. I look forward to the monthly community calls to connect with fellow members and continue learning about all of the platform’s bells and whistles. The community’s exclusive member-only resources have been invaluable in shaping my personal brand. I love the monthly content calendar, which provides fresh content ideas.
In short, my journey to personal branding on LinkedIn™ has been all about the power of authenticity and community. From a comment and a connection, I’ve transformed my LinkedIn™ profile from dormant to dynamic!
So, to anyone embarking on their own personal branding journey, I say this — It’s worth the effort and will pay off.
Want to learn more about this topic? Make sure to follow Amanda Hennessey on LinkedIn™.
