In the digital age, influence is the currency du jour. It’s the power to shape opinions, inspire action, kick-start a movement and drive meaningful change. Nowhere is this more evident than on LinkedIn, a platform that has become the epicentre of professional networking and thought leadership.
As of today, LinkedIn has 930 million users worldwide. Three years ago, I was a LinkedIn lurker. Observing, inactive, passive. It wasn’t until I started my business that I took the platform seriously. I put in the hard yards, getting to know my audience, creating content that magnetises, leveraging comments as mini thought leadership opportunities and initiating relationships in the DMs.
I strengthened my IQ 3.0 muscles (influence, not intelligence) and it has returned to me ten-fold. Today, I teach this stuff to some of the biggest names in engineering and tech. Beyond the obvious business opportunities, LinkedIn has given me friendships, collaborators, partners, referrals and more.
Building influence here is not about accruing followers, but about making a genuine impact.
Here are five strategies to help you do just that:
Craft compelling content
Nearly every great idea starts as a spark in the mind. Translating that spark into engaging content is the first step towards building influence. Share your insights, experiences, and unique perspectives – believe it or not, people want to know what’s inside that brain of yours!
Whether it’s a thought-provoking article, a well-crafted post, or a captivating video, ensure your content resonates with your audience. This means you need to get to do your homework and get to know them intimately. Remember, the power of a story is immeasurable. Narratives connect, inspire, give meaning and leave a lasting impression.
Share your professional journey, highlighting the lessons learned, challenges overcome, and victories celebrated. The most influential personal brands are ones whose online and offline personas are completely congruent. Remember, authenticity is the bedrock of influence.
Engage meaningfully
Influence is not a one-way street. It thrives with ample amounts of dialogue and interaction. Respond thoughtfully to comments on your posts, participate in discussions, and initiate conversations with others in your network. Show genuine interest in what others have to say. Your engagement should reflect your passion for your field, your personality and a desire to learn from and connect with like-minded professionals.
Don’t shy away from sharing the spotlight. Celebrate the successes and achievements of your peers. This leverages the reciprocity principle by fostering goodwill, encourages others to return the favour 5x, and positions you as a collaborator rather than a competitor.
Leverage visual storytelling
A picture is worth a thousand words, and on a platform like LinkedIn, visuals are a powerful tool you’d be crazy not to take advantage of. Incorporate eye-catching images, infographics, and videos into your content. Visuals not only break up text but also enhance the impact of your message. They draw the viewer in, making your content more shareable and memorable.
Remember to maintain a consistent visual identity. This includes using a recognisable profile picture and creating a cohesive aesthetic for your posts and articles. Consistency builds brand recognition, trust and credibility.
Position yourself as an expert
Building influence means establishing yourself as a go-to authority in your field. Share your expertise through original articles, insightful analyses, and informative posts. Provide value to your network by offering practical advice, thought leadership, and solutions to common challenges. Don’t be afraid to tackle complex topics – it’s where your expertise can shine the brightest. A post I did about the Silicon Valley Bank collapse from a change management perspective got me mentioned in the media. You never know who’s watching.
Consistent, informed contributions will significantly bolster your reputation. The key word is “consistent”. This is not a short-term band-aid. You need to show up day in and day out, even when you don’t feel like it. It takes time for people to trust an online persona they’ve never met.
Network with purpose
Influence is not just about the size of your network, but the quality of your connections. Seek out professionals who align with your goals and values. Connect with them, but don’t stop there. Engage in meaningful conversations, offer assistance if appropriate, and look for opportunities to collaborate. Building a network based on mutual respect and shared interests is a key driver of influence.
Don’t spray and pray. Personal messages are highly impactful. When reaching out to connect, invest the effort in customising your message. Express why you’d like to connect and how you believe the connection can be mutually beneficial. This extra 10% will skyrocket your acceptance rate. I also like to ask new connections why they sent me a connection request. This gives me real-time feedback on what content is resonating, so I know to do more of it!
In conclusion, building influence on LinkedIn is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour. It requires a thoughtful, strategic approach that balances content creation, engagement, expertise, and networking. Remember, influence is not about amassing followers, but about inspiring action and effecting positive change. By implementing these five strategies, you’re on the path to making sure your influence = income x impact.
Friska Wirya is the founder of Fresh by Friska.
This article was first published by SmartCompany.