As we keep shifting, how we connect and grow on LinkedIn changes. As a reminder, this Dopamine Dose is part two of a two-part newsletter series in which I’m taking concepts and lessons from my book ‘Balance Is Bullsh*t’, which was published in 2017, and adapting best practices to the evolved LinkedIn landscape.
If you haven’t read part one, no worries, you can catch up on it later, let’s jump into this Dopamine Dose.
Master LinkedIn’s Powerful Tools
LinkedIn Live
When I wrote Balance Is Bullsh*t, the LinkedIn Live feature wasn’t available yet. “LinkedIn Events” launched in May 2020 to help organizations connect in real-time with their audience. Imagine how much community building got flipped on its head when you could jump online and speak to and with your audience at any moment.
LinkedIn Live offers that kind of real-time interaction, and it’s a game-changer. According to LinkedIn, live videos receive 7x more reactions and 24x more comments than regular videos. Hosting webinars, Q&A sessions, or live events can significantly increase your engagement and visibility, making your online presence stand out.
LinkedIn Analytics and Insights
Learn how to read the data! It may feel overwhelming to look at all the numbers, stats, impressions, reach, etc. But regularly reviewing your LinkedIn analytics means receiving quick answers that are worth learning. Understanding what content resonates with your audience allows you to refine your strategy. According to LinkedIn’s 2024 analytics report, users who regularly review their metrics are 40% more successful in reaching their engagement goals.
Data from 2024 shows that, on average, users increased their posting frequency by 10% to an average number of 18 posts per month. I know from experience this is favored by the LinkedIn algorithm (if it’s value-packed content). You can use your insights to build your impact and keep your content strategy on point. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
Here’s a breakdown of those LinkedIn metrics:
🔵 Engagement Rate: This shows how many people actually did something with your posts, like liking, commenting, or sharing. It’s calculated by looking at how many people interacted divided by how many saw it.
🔵 Median Likes, Comments, Shares: This tells you the middle number of likes, comments, and shares you get. It’s like saying, “Most of my posts get about this many interactions.”
🔵 Posts per Month: This simply tells you how often you’re posting on LinkedIn.
🔵 Impressions Rate: This tells you what percentage of your followers have actually seen your posts. It’s calculated by looking at how many people saw your posts compared to your total number of followers.
So, what’s the takeaway? Use your insights to refine your LinkedIn strategy and stay ahead of the curve.
Embrace AI Integration
In 2017, big data and AI learning was slowly kicking off to the public, but it was nowhere near the level it is now. AI isn’t the future anymore. It’s the reality of today. So many people ask me, “Josh, are we getting replaced by AI?” My short answer is always: NO; but – a person who uses AI the right way and leverages it as a career skill, can replace us in the long run.
Here’s the good news though: AI tools are only as good as the people using them.
My philosophy is to embrace technology, and that’s why I spend a lot of time experimenting with AI tools. I’m proud to admit that, yes, I incorporate the latest AI tools into my workflow and into the workflow of my company StandOut Authority . It helps my team easily build LinkedIn profiles and content and create detailed personas that genuinely sound like the clients we write for.
I tell my team – to think of it as having a personal assistant, making it simpler to maintain an active and engaging presence. If used correctly, AI streamlines processes in your business with ease and efficiency and frees up valuable time to focus on what truly matters—connecting with the audience. LinkedIn is not just a professional network; it’s a revolution in connecting, sharing, and growing.
By embracing its full potential, you can build a powerful personal brand, create meaningful connections, and drive real business results.
Authenticity and Connection
In this age of AI and automation, where algorithms can connect us in an instant, it’s easy to forget the human need for connection. LinkedIn, for all its technological prowess, has become a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. My journey on this platform has been a testament to this. It’s more than just a professional networking site; it’s a space where I’ve rekindled old connections and forged new partnerships, finding solace in the shared values and experiences of like-minded individuals.
Rachel and I understand this human connection deeply. We value authentic storytelling, sharing the triumphs and struggles of entrepreneurship without the polished façade. We know that the journey isn’t always smooth sailing; it’s about navigating the ups and downs, making sacrifices, and making tough choices.
Seeing other entrepreneurs share their own journeys, unfiltered and real, reminds me that I’m not alone. It’s a reminder that even in the age of AI, human connection remains a priority. This sense of community, built on shared understanding and genuine engagement, is invaluable. LinkedIn has become a crucial part of my strategy, allowing me to build a strong network, position myself as a thought leader, and reach a broader audience.
But beyond the numbers and algorithms, it’s the human element that truly resonates. The platform allows me to connect with potential collaborators and learn from the experiences of others, reminding me that even amidst the challenges, we’re all in this together, connected by a shared human experience.
I recently had the pleasure of diving into this with Robert (Bob) Bianchi, ESQ., NREMT , and David Bruno, Esq. of the The Bianchi Law Group, LLC on a LinkedIn LIVE session. We broke down the power of human connection in our digital age and why being real is the key to genuine success. It’s simple: people buy from people. 💥
Authenticity isn’t a strategy; it’s a way of being. Stop trying to be a version that you think people would like and expect, and start being…well…YOU. Catch the replay!