FINALLY!! it's a wrap Today marks 365 days of posting. Here's what I learned...

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9 months of posting daily on LinkedIn taught me this...


Crazy, it was 251 days ago I took the plunge.

Here's what I have learned so far...
 
1) Don't overthink, don't second guess

It's scary to step out, I know. Warm up the "room" by liking, following, and commenting before you start posting. This builds a network to support you.
 
2) It gets easier each day (not a cliche, it's really true.)

Now, 9 months in, if a post doesn't hit, I don't take it personally. It can be the algorithm, timing, relevance. I keep learning from each post and it gets easier to write and find ideas as well.
 
3) People first. Posts second

The Law of Reciprocity applies here. Focus on building up people. They will pay you back with support, kindness, and often referrals and opportunities. 
 
4) Comments are currency

Comment thoughtfully on every. single. post. Even when it takes longer. This is how we build trust, show our personality and increase engagement.
 
5) Somebody's always watching you...

Most of my leads and clients come from those who read but don't engage. Don't be harsh on lurkers. It's hard to step out online.
 
6) Fresh content daily

People get bored easily. Focus on a compelling headline/opening sentence. Rotate post formats and your pillar topics but stay in one lane. Sprinkle in some short-form content for those who scan more than they read.
 
7) Friends are found here

I can't wait to open up my LinkedIn app each morning. This community is supportive, smart, and kind and will prop you up the days you want to quit.
 
8) Metrics don't always matter

In the last few weeks, we all have taken a hit. Those that stay in it, win it. Aim for leads vs likes.
 
9) Be relatable and approachable

Show your personal side and watch your engagement grow. You can share your personality and be personable without being too personal.
 
IT'S TRUE...
 
When you put yourself out there, the opportunities are out there. 

REMEMBER...

You don't need permission or perfection.
It's never too late.

  What lessons have you learned on LinkedIn this year?


#personalbranding #linkedin #socialmedia #PutYourselfOutThere

• 171Erika Needleman and 170 others
• 158 comments
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To all those in the #365challenge, WE DID IT!! It wasn't easy, but it was.so.worth.it!

Here are 12 lessons learned this year.
(I probably can write 50, but keeping it brief for NYE)

1. Do it scared!
Ignore the inner voice. We're never meant to stay long in our comfort zones.

2. Build a community before you create.
Even before you start posting, get active commenting, reading, engaging with others.

3. Put in the reps. Find your flow.
The more I posted, the more I learned, wrote better, and found clarity and confidence.

4. LinkedIn is NOT a social media platform.
Nope, I realized fast (and wish I knew earlier) It's your community and your university.

5. Give, give, give, and then give more.
You have to give 10x more than you get here, and it pays off.

6. What do I post about??
It's magic: when you get out there consistently the ideas flow. It's nuts, but true!

7. If a post flops, I know these 2 truths.
I don't take it personally and I know more people see it, even if they don't engage with it.

8. It's a long game, not a one-and-done.
First, it takes time to build. And then you have to be doing #2 and #5 and results will follow.

9. Fortune DOES favor creators.
Out of sight, out of mind rings true here. Inbound leads, dream clients, and opportunities are the payoffs.

10. Visibility is NOT vanity. It opens doors & unlocks opportunities.
Get out there as people need to know you so you can help them.

11. People are the REASON.
The community, connections, and friends I've made here are my biggest success story. I can't stress this enough.

12. We all have something to say and share.
Write your original insights, stories and build in public as they say. You'll find your people and payoffs by being you.

And for now, that's a wrap.
I'll move now to 3-5 days and take my weekends off.
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To the #365crew, let's hear from you below. We did it!
Are you planning to post regularly in 2022?