A Guide to Personal Branding on LinkedIn
“It’s important to build a personal brand because it’s the only thing you’re going to have. Your reputation online—and in the new business world—is pretty much what it’s all about, so you’ve got to be a good person.”
That’s roughly what Gary Vee, one of the “celebrities” in the field of digital marketing and social media, said. He emphasizes how important it is to have a personal brand in today’s online era, especially with the ever-growing influence of social media.
Nowadays, how others judge a person is also based on their behavior in the digital world. It’s not just about having fun or simply making a presence—it’s also about building a personal brand.
Many of us still think of LinkedIn as just a place to look for jobs. Hmm, that’s not entirely wrong, given the abundance of job listings there. But remember, LinkedIn is also a social media platform—a place where we can connect with other professionals.
A while back, Media Buffet PR hosted an engaging discussion about personal branding on LinkedIn during Talk N Share 4 and invited two “influencers” who’ve been active on LinkedIn for the past few years—and they shared their personal branding secrets for free. Who are they, and what are their secret tips? You better be ready!
Table of Contents:
“Keep Your Thumbs Posting Positive Comments on LinkedIn” – Mas Tomy (CEO & Managing Director, Headhunter Indonesia)
Back in the day, your mouth was your best friend. Now, your thumb is your best friend. One way to start making a name for yourself on LinkedIn is to avoid writing anything mean-spirited or full of profanity, because all your activity will be visible. Do you already know how LinkedIn’s algorithm works? If not, feel free to check it out here. Our image in the eyes of our connections will suffer. Save the gossip for Instagram—don’t bring it to LinkedIn.
“Recognize and build your potential”—Deecy Lauw (Content Creator)
Personal branding is all about who we are and our expertise. It’s a “no-no” to copy others—let alone pretend to be someone else—just to boost your own reputation when you might not even possess the same skills. Be original and be the best version of yourself!
“Relying too much on other people’s content is a big NO!” – Bima (CEO of Media Buffet PR)
Can’t create your own content yet? No problem! You can repost others’ content that’s relevant to your field and expertise. However, reposting too frequently doesn’t necessarily let others see your true qualities, and your personal brand might get lost in the mix. Try sharing your thoughts on that content by leaving comments and engaging in discussions in the comments section. Add value to every activity you do on LinkedIn to attract the attention of your target audience and connections.
Just like a chef’s recipe, hopefully this guide can serve as your roadmap to start developing your personal brand on LinkedIn. Don’t be afraid to get started—trust and be true to yourself—and you’ll soon get hooked on the satisfaction that comes from building a strong personal brand on LinkedIn.
