Accelerating Across The LinkedIn Ecosystem
Let’s face it — the platform is saturated with echo chamber content, formulaic success stories, and an overwhelming amount of “humble” brags. Everyone’s trying to sell their version of success, and it’s about as differentiated as vanilla ice cream at a kids’ birthday party. Here’s how you break the mold, stand out, and actually connect in a space that’s more crowded than a New York subway at rush hour.
1. Be Authentically Disruptive
First off, drop the act. The market for authenticity can never be oversaturated. Don’t just share successes; share failures, fears, and doubts. Real stories resonate. Lots of people preach the gospel of being unapologetically yourself, and that’s because it works. The digital space has an insatiable appetite for genuine narratives, not just another regurgitated “Top 5 Habits of Highly Effective People”.
2. Double Down on Value
Provide undeniable value. This doesn’t mean you need to revolutionize their day or life with every post, but it does mean you should aim to leave the reader with something more than they came with. Insights, actionable advice, or even a new perspective can turn a passive scroller into an engaged follower. Your success stems from your ability to deliver uncomplicated truths packed with value. You don’t just tell you what’s happening; you explains why it matters to you.
3. Cut Through the Clutter with Data
We’re living in an era of information obesity. To stand out, you need to be the person handing out the diet plans. That means leveraging data, research, and case studies to back up your points. It’s easy to be another voice in the echo chamber, but when you bring data into the conversation, you bring authority.
4. Challenge the Status Quo
Don’t just accept industry norms; challenge them. Have a hot take on conventional wisdom?
Share it.
The LinkedIn landscape is brimming with recycled content because many are playing it safe, regurgitating the same advice and insights. Be the voice that questions why things are the way they are, and suggest how they could be better. Disruption is the heart of innovation, and by positioning yourself as a challenger, you invite engagement and debate.
5. Consistency is Key, But Quality is King
Yes, posting regularly is important, but never sacrifice quality for the sake of consistency. It’s better to post one profoundly impactful piece a week than to fill your feed with daily fluff. Your audience will come to anticipate your content if they know it’s worth their time.
6. Build a Community, Not a Following
Lastly, engage. Respond to comments, ask questions, and participate in discussions. Building a community is about creating a two-way street. This doesn’t mean you need to spend every waking hour on LinkedIn, but dedicating time to genuinely engage with your audience can turn casual followers into loyal fans. I want to emphasize the importance of community and connection over sheer numbers, and that principle applies here too.
Torching the LinkedIn playbook isn’t about rebellion for the sake of rebellion. It’s about recognizing that in a world where everyone is shouting, the most powerful thing you can do is speak in a voice that’s unmistakably your own. Bring value, challenge norms, use data smartly, and foster genuine connections. Do that, and you won’t just stand out in a crowded space; you’ll own it.
Brian Fink is the author of Talk Tech To Me. He takes on the stress and strain of complex technology concepts and simplifies them for the modern recruiter. Fink’s impassioned wit and humor tackle the highs and lows of technical recruiting with a unique perspective — a perspective intended to help you find, engage, and partner with professionals.
