There is a common misconception that haunts the corridors of the internet: the professional veneer of LinkedIn may confound users into forgetting it is a social network. However, amid clarifications cutting through the ubiquitous swirls of misunderstanding that it’s distinct from Facebook, the Platform Formerly Known As Twitter, or other social media, a pang of regret pierces through. The truth is, I’ve been raised too well to make the common mistake myself, yet it still stings when I witness it.
In my tenure spanning various spheres, crossing from consumer to business publishing sectors, I’ve come to realize that no industry relies on the cultivation of relationships quite like the casino sphere. Picture a global stage where colleagues from the gambling industry often rendezvous, exchanging pleasantries and fostering bonds over personal tidbits – this is a realm where personal connection is king.
Let’s face it, in our line of work, we know the minutiae of our peers’ lives: who’s a dog lover, who’s juggling parenthood, and we cherish these snippets as they forge the foundation of genuine interaction. Our shared adventures, ranging from sporting bowls of nuts as unconventional headgear to the covert extraction of alabaster lampshades, shape the very essence of our business dynamic.
Conceptually, LinkedIn should echo Facebook’s community ethos, albeit with a couple of prudent omissions such as politics and religion which, despite being an inherent part of who we are, tend to fuel discord. Coming from an era where differences are not deal-breakers in relationships, I still advocate for a LinkedIn that’s light on these divisive topics.
I’m a stalwart believer in the value of injecting personality and passion into our social media endeavors. A blanketed, sanitized social ambit not only threatens boredom but also robs us of impassioned content – and nothing magnetizes an audience like genuine enthusiasm.
While I may have a heartfelt disdain for social media, its merits are undeniable. There have been instances where it provided solace and connection to those in dire need – a lifeline to the outside world to some, like an old friend battling cancer or another overcoming illness.
Facebook and I have severed ties, save for its messaging service which remains my discreet channel of communication. This soft victory underlines a critical truth: mastery over a platform’s nuances is key. LinkedIn, with its idiosyncratic algorithm, requires discernment and strategy. Content is king, and quality trumps quantity. A well-tailored post could thrive and rally engagement – a dance with the algorithm where the first hour’s reaction plays a pivotal role.
Tags, keywords, consistency – the trifecta of LinkedIn success beckons. Regular quality posts, coupled with sincere interaction, elevates not just one’s content but also enriches the platform experience. Birthday greetings and shared memories made public build a rapport that transcends simple ‘likes’.
This approach isn’t restricted to personal pages – business profiles, too, must harness this strategy. An infusion of passion, personality, and an understanding of the algorithm’s whims could conjure a dual realm of authentic engagement and professional gain.
Speaking from seventeen solid years in the trenches of the gambling sector, the ins and outs of navigating LinkedIn have become a second language to me. And while my large dog’s sensitive stomach has made me a reluctant expert in stain removal, my driving force remains fostering a vibrant, interconnected professional network – because at the end of it all, we are, indeed, social beings.
