If you follow me, you are behind me. If you connect to me, you are beside me. Let me explain the BIGGEST mistake I see every day. This is my most important post of 2023.

LinkedIn is definitely a different kind of platform. I like to refer to it as the BMW of social media. This is where professionals are. LinkedIn has had massive growth over the years and I can say that I'm really happy and proud to have put the time and effort in to grow on this platform. I don't have a huge Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok presence and I'm ok with that. Honestly, this is the platform that matters to me, because it feeds me.

How does it feed me? Even before I was "active" on LinkedIn I had a nice profile. My profile brought me leads, jobs, and contracts for the field of work that I'm in. It played a major part in how I grew a company, sold a company, and have my current vCISO role. My goal is to teach you to be able to make a living from LinkedIn as well.

I've mentioned this before but LinkedIn offers a level playing field for all of us. This year, my goal is to watch many of you grow your presence here and gain opportunities. The most important advice I will give you this year is to start connecting to new people instead of following them.

LinkedIn gives us each 30,000 open seats for connections. This means that you are able to have 30,000 connections, no questions asked. When you connect to someone, you are making a two way hand shake.

When you follow someone, they typically have no clue that you followed them and will continue to have no clue who you are. Obviously that is great for them, but does no good for you.

I have two thoughts for you:

1. If you connect to someone, you are walking beside them, not behind them. It will be a two way relationship. You will get to know your new connection, but more importantly, they will get to know you. You can have conversations.

2. I love that you follow me, but I want to get to know you. The only way I can do that is for you to connect with me. I want to engage with your posts, celebrate your achievements, and even help you get through struggles. If I know you, I may think of you when someone asks me if "I know someone who is good at X, Y, or Z".

Connecting to someone instead of following may be the one small thing you do that changes your entire life because someone knows you and needs your talent. Imagine the opportunity if 30,000 people in this field know who you are.

Not using your 30,000 seats is like throwing out golden tickets. Start using them.

I want you to walk beside me, not behind me. I can't get to know you, have a conversation with you, or help you if I can't even see you.

#linkedin #linkedintips