Social Selling Isn’t Dead—It Just Got Real
Ever feel like the digital world is changing faster than you can keep up? Well, get focused famiLEE, because social selling is back and bigger than ever. Forget the outdated scripts and slimy 🤢 sales tactics—this is about building real, human connections that drive growth opportunities.
Social selling has evolved into an art of trust and authenticity. It’s no longer just about “closing deals.” It’s about crafting genuine relationships that open doors. @Harvard Business Review calls it essential, but here’s the reality: if you want to thrive in this landscape, it’s time to embrace the new rules of social selling.
Whether you’re a veteran at this game or new to building a brand, I’ve got you covered with insights to level up your LinkedIn strategy. Ready to turn connections into impact? Let’s dive in.
How Fortune 500 Leaders Are Nailing Social Selling
When it comes to using LinkedIn for social selling, Microsoft and Adobe are setting a powerful example. They get that social selling is about connecting with people, adding real value, and building relationships that actually mean something.
Microsoft: Earning Trust by Showing Up
Microsoft’s approach to LinkedIn is more than just showing off its latest products. They’ve got everyone involved—from top execs to sales teams—sharing insights and starting conversations that resonate with their audience. Whether it’s talking about tech trends, company culture, or real-life challenges, Microsoft doesn’t use LinkedIn to “sell” but to connect. They focus on creating real dialogue, which makes them not just a go-to tech leader but a trusted voice. This isn’t about quick sales; it’s about making lasting connections that go beyond one transaction.
Adobe: Adding Value Through Personal Engagement
Adobe goes all in on LinkedIn, empowering its teams with tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator to target the right audience while still keeping the focus human. Their team members regularly post about topics their audience cares about—things like digital marketing and innovation in design.
Adobe’s approach isn’t just about putting out content; it’s about sharing value and being relevant. By encouraging their people to engage genuinely, Adobe keeps its brand top of mind in a way that feels real, making them a standout resource for decision-makers.
These companies get it: social selling isn’t about pitching to everyone. It’s about showing up authentically, having conversations that matter, and letting connections drive the results. Take a note from their playbook—make LinkedIn the place where you build trust, not just business.
The Real Strength of Social Selling
Social selling isn’t about blasting out products; it’s about building genuine R-E-L-A-T-I-O-N-S-H-I-P-S. But let me be clear—if you’re posting twice a year on holidays and leaving generic comments, that won’t cut it. You’ve got to show up with purpose and a plan. So, before you even think of selling, start here:
1. Optimize Your Profile
Your LinkedIn profile is your digital storefront. It needs to be polished, genuine, and undeniably you. Forget being humble here—show off your expertise and story. Make your profile say, “This is who I am, and I’m here to make a difference.”
Optimize your profile, it’s your digital handshake.
2. Engage Authentically
Forget the hard sell. Share insights, join conversations, and engage meaningfully. Think of every comment as a way to put some humanity into this digital world. It’s about creating real connections that turn into real results.
3. Use LinkedIn’s Tools
Let’s cut the bullsh*t–EVERY social platform is literally designed to keep you ON it for AS long AS possible. LinkedIn is no different—so use it! LinkedIn LIVE, newsletters, articles, interactive posts—each tool can help you stay top-of-mind and showcase your value.
Building Genuine Connections: The Real Currency
In a digital age obsessed with automation, authenticity is your superpower. Just being real can take you a long way. People crave connection, not pitches. Here’s what I do to keep it real on LinkedIn:
🔵 Be Human: Ditch the corporate talk. Share your personality, your quirks, and your passion. People connect with people—not brands or scripts.
🔵 Share Your Story: Whether it’s a quick anecdote about how I embarrassed myself in front of the kids last week or a case study on helping a client’s launch, personal stories resonate more than any ad or cold pitch ever could.
🔵 Listen and Learn: Social selling is a two-way street. Engage with your network’s content and insights. Some of my best ideas (and partnerships!) have come from a casual comment or a conversation about top-notch places to grab sushi. Never underestimate where a genuine connection can lead.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
Social selling is an evolving art, and the only way to stay relevant is to adapt, or you’ll be left behind. Staying ahead doesn’t mean jumping on every new tool blindly—it means being intentional about learning and implementing what aligns with your goals.
Invest in Learning
Stay updated on the latest LinkedIn features and best practices. Knowledge here isn’t just power—it’s also profit. If the updates feel overwhelming, try learning one new feature each month.
Experiment and Adapt
Try new approaches and content types. Not everything will work, but if you hit on something your audience loves, double down on it. If it flops, learn from it and move forward.
Measure Success
Track what works and what doesn’t. In social selling, what gets measured gets optimized. Data-driven decisions will help you refine your strategy and make the impact you’re aiming for.
Remember: Social selling is about more than sales. It’s about community and impact. So, get out there and start building connections that matter. And when you need a hit of dopamine to keep you motivated, you know I’m here to serve it up.
I sat down with Thomas Helfrich on his podcast 🎙️ Never Been Promoted. We got real about what it means to show up online, not just as a professional, but as a human. Thomas and I unpacked my journey—from early days in real estate to helping brands like MySpace make their first moves in social media advertising.
Episode 106 – Shortcuts to Mastering LinkedIn Personal Branding
We dug into some personal resets, the kind that shift everything, and why building a brand isn’t about making noise—it’s about connecting on a genuine level.
This episode covers some of the highs, lows, and lessons from my journey, plus some practical insights on why LinkedIn is a goldmine for anyone serious about creating a personal brand that resonates. Big thanks to Thomas for inviting me to dive deep on this one. I’d love for you to check it out and let me know what resonates! 🎧