Getting the Right Balance of Being Human on LinkedIn

LinkedIn, the premier professional networking platform, has evolved over the years from being solely business-focused to incorporating personal elements. The question arises: how personal should you be on LinkedIn? Striking the right balance is crucial to leveraging the platform effectively for business growth. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the perils and payoffs of personalization on LinkedIn and provide actionable tips to maximize your social media presence for business success.

The Power of Personalization on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is not just a database of companies; it is a network of professionals connecting, engaging, and building relationships. By infusing personal elements into your LinkedIn profile, you can establish authenticity, build trust, and forge meaningful connections with your audience. People buy from people they know, like, and trust, and personalization on LinkedIn helps you humanize your brand and foster stronger professional relationships.

Building Trust through Personal Branding

Developing a strong personal brand on LinkedIn can help your audience connect with you on a deeper level. By sharing personal stories, professional journey, and outside interests, you provide insights into your values and passions. This, in turn, enhances your reputation and makes you more relatable to your audience. Authenticity is key to building trust, so be genuine in your personal branding efforts.

"Nobody wants to do business with a stranger. Instead, we always want to do business with people we know, like, and trust." - John Nemo

Social Selling - A Soft Approach

Traditional sales tactics often come across as pushy and impersonal. Social selling, on the other hand, focuses on building relationships and subtly promoting your brand. By incorporating personal elements into your LinkedIn posts, you can create a softer, more engaging approach to selling. Share your experiences, insights, and takeaways from conferences, events, and professional development activities. This allows your audience to connect with you on a personal level while showcasing your expertise.

Driving Engagement through Personal Posts

LinkedIn's algorithms favor posts that generate engagement. Personal posts often receive higher levels of interaction compared to purely business-focused content. Engaging your audience with personal stories, hobbies, and interests can increase the reach of your other work-related posts. Your personal posts act as icebreakers, sparking conversations and fostering a sense of community among your connections.

Finding the Right Balance

While personalization is essential on LinkedIn, it is crucial to strike the right balance between personal and professional content. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

Personal Posts as a Fraction of Your Content

Maintaining a professional image on LinkedIn is crucial, particularly if you want to be seen as an expert in your field. Personal posts should make up a fraction of your overall content strategy, with the majority focusing on sharing knowledge, insights, and industry-related content. Aim for a ratio of approximately one-sixth personal posts to maintain a balanced and authoritative presence.

Avoid Controversial Topics

LinkedIn is a professional platform, and it is essential to avoid topics that may lead to disagreements or offend your audience. Steer clear of discussing religion, politics (unless relevant to your industry), or any other sensitive subjects. Remember, LinkedIn is a space for fostering professional relationships, and maintaining a neutral and inclusive tone is key to creating a positive environment.

More Than Pets and Hobbies

While sharing pictures of your pets or discussing your hobbies can humanize your profile, personal posts should go beyond these surface-level topics. Use personal posts to highlight your involvement in the community, volunteer work, or professional organizations. Showcase your passions and causes that align with your audience's values. This allows you to demonstrate your well-roundedness and commitment beyond your professional achievements.

Crafting Compelling Personal Posts

Now that you understand the importance of personalization and finding the right balance, let's delve into how to create engaging and impactful personal posts on LinkedIn.

Authenticity is Key

When sharing personal stories or experiences, be authentic. Avoid embellishing the truth or trying to create an image that is not true to who you are. People appreciate genuine connections, and authenticity establishes trust, making your audience more receptive to your messaging.

Highlight Unique Interests and Experiences

Share personal posts that highlight your unique interests, experiences, and skills. These can be hobbies, volunteering efforts, or any other activities that make you stand out. Emphasize how these experiences have shaped your professional journey and have contributed to your expertise. This allows your audience to see the multi-faceted aspects of your personality, making you more relatable and memorable.

Foster Engagement and Conversation

Personal posts on LinkedIn should aim to spark engagement and conversation. Ask thought-provoking questions, encourage your audience to share their experiences and insights, and actively respond to comments. This fosters a sense of community and establishes you as a thought leader who values meaningful interactions.

Use Visuals and Multimedia

Incorporating visuals and multimedia elements such as images, videos, and infographics can enhance the impact of your personal posts. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your professional life, showcase your work, or provide valuable insights through visually appealing content. This not only grabs attention but also allows your audience to connect with you on a deeper level.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, personalization on LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building trust, fostering engagement, and establishing meaningful connections with your audience. By striking the right balance between personal and professional content, you can humanize your brand and differentiate yourself from the competition. Craft compelling personal posts that showcase your unique interests and experiences, while also providing value to your audience. Optimize your LinkedIn profile, publish original content, and actively engage with others to maximize your business growth potential on the platform. With the right approach, LinkedIn can become a valuable asset in your social media strategy, driving success and growth for your business.