Updated Jan 2022
Lately I’ve been noticing more quotes, inspirational and otherwise, in my LinkedIn news feed and it’s beginning to grate. Sure, I sound grumpy but trust me I’m as happy as the next person to take a break from the daily grind/joy of work – but just not so much on LinkedIn.
When I’m using LinkedIn I’m there for work, to network, prospect, respond to messages and have a quick skim for anything of interest posted by my connections. If I want to see wedding photos, political statements, or God quotes, I can go to Facebook.
Facebook’s – The Social Channel
On Facebook (and we’re talking personal profiles here) inspirational quotes are a given along with posts sharing how to get in touch with your inner self, to laugh not cry at life, and celebrate the best Mother/Father/Sister/Brother/Dog/Cat/Gerbil in the world.
Facebook started out as being a social channel and even though they are now very much in the business arena, it is still the go-to platform to connect with friends and family. And many of those friends will love sharing their inspirational quotes. And that’s okay. And for those friends who swamp our newsfeed, happily there is, the ‘hide’ option – also available on LinkedIn it has to be said.
The Art of Being Professional
In the work environment things tend to operate differently. Top of the list for most, is making the right first impression. The reason for that is, we all know that first impressions can be the difference between getting a contract or not. It’s why so many in business invest time in learning the art of being professional.
In the offline world, it’s highly unlikely after meeting a new prospect or client that you’d spontaneously start sharing quotes with them. If you did, they might wonder about your sanity never mind your professionalism. Yet, that same code of behaviour is often not translating into the online world.
Here’s a question for you. What makes you think the rules of business behaviour are different online?
LinkedIn: The Platform for Professionals (Apparently!)
While LinkedIn has rolled out features that are very Facebook in style most of us still consider it the platform for professionals who want to do business. The big power of LinkedIn was always the ability to connect directly with decision makers and people of influence that you were unlikely to reach using traditional methods. So, if you’ve managed to make a good first impression and you’re growing valuable relevant connections, why would you blow it all by posting content best suited to your Facebook friends?
Personal Brand
As I said previously, we all need a little time out from work but is LinkedIn the place to find it? I for one hoped LinkedIn would stay a professional site whereas you might like the changes we’re seeing. if that is you, I would still suggest that before you next hit ‘Share’ with a dodgy quote (note the use of dodgy, as I’m not suggesting all quotes are bad), or a photo of you on your holidays, ask yourself first, “Will this make the right kind of impression with my connections?” Because if it doesn’t, you run the risk of damaging your personal brand and potential future work contracts. Is it worth that?
Related: How to Grow an Online Personal Brand
If you would like to hear more about how to create a professional personal brand and use LinkedIn so that it benefits you and your business, get in touch.
To your online success!
E: [email protected] | W: www.synneo.ie
