A year ago, I declared that LinkedIn was just a large database, not really social media. Today, I am changing my tune. In fact, I believe that LinkedIn is the social network of the year! There is so much happening on this platform, so I am declaring that it’s time to get on this train!

Becoming a #linkedincreator TODAY!

As of right now, only 1% of people on LinkedIn are creating and sharing video content. This means that there is a huge opportunity to grow, connect and establish yourself as an expert. To give you an idea of the potential– right now, LinkedIn looks like Youtube in 2006…let that sink in, then start creating!   

While the arrival of LinkedIn video last year felt like a case of ‘thanks for finally joining us,’ it means marketers can now post native LinkedIn videos up to 10 minutes long. The network’s algorithm promotes these videos over other content types, as research shows that video posts are shared 20x more than any other content. 75% of business execs watch work-related videos each week, presenting a market ripe for mobilization. This potential has already led savvy marketers to create mobile-optimized video content that promotes enterprise.

To hear my excitement, you have to listen the latest Onion Juice Podcast episode where I share how I am using LinkedIn as a REALTOR in Madison WI – click here.

Start Creating Your #10Tips10Days

There is a trending hashtag and content sharing movement happening around LinkedIn tips – it’s called the #10Tips10Days. For 10 days, influencers are posting a short video that contains tips and best practices for their niche. Not surprisingly, this is attracting the attention of tons of followers! I decided to start my own #10Tips10Days. And I encourage you to do the same.

It became the perfect on-ramp for me to start creating, and many of my podcast listeners agree, and have started their #10Tips10Days video movement as well.

“What should I create?” you might ask. I suggest anything that you have learned in business that could help others. Tell stories about struggles in your life that you have overcome. And beyond that, I would just focus on educating, empowering, and engaging with your audience. For example, I am in the midst of creating the following titles:

• Vision vs. needs,
• effort over results,
• no one relates to your perfection,
• social vs. searchable content,
• cheese and whiskers,
• developing a clear plan,
• the disease to please,
• getting connected in Madison,
• and comfort is the enemy of progress, to name just a few!

These are topics I talk about often, but now I’m just focusing on creating short videos on these topics to empower my audience. So far I’m getting great engagement, and my video views have been between 2,000-4,000 per video.

To see more, be sure to follow me on Linkedin – linkedin.com/in/neilmathweg – Please mention that you read this and I will follow you back.  Let me know if you are going to do #10Tips10Days and I will be sure to follow your journey.

LinkedIn Local

I was recently asked to be on a panel for a LinkedIn Local event, which is hilarious because just over a year ago, I declared that LinkedIn was not a social platform. This event was an amazing opportunity to connect to other business professionals from Madison!

While at the #linkedinlocalmsn we all opened the LinkedIn app on our phone, turned on “nearby” and everyone in the room started connecting with each other. Besides helping to establish my credibility as a REALTOR, I left with over 50 new connections. It was so powerful!  If you don’t have a LinkedIn local where you live, you should start one. If you have questions, reach out, I would love to show you what we did here in Madison.

One of the connections I made that night was with, Quinten Allums, a top LinkedIn Creator from Milwaukee. He has over 15,000 followers on LinkedIn and is getting video views in the millions.  He recently was on the stage at Vidcon (the world’s largest video conference). So to say the least, this guy is crushing it on LinkedIn!

I recently had him on the Onion Juice Podcast (listen here) to give us 10 LinkedIn tips. Here is what he had to say:

10 Tips for Making it Big On LinkedIn

#1: Just start –

If only 1% of all LinkedIn users are producing content, it means your material is much more likely to be seen.

#2: Use a great profile photo –

Make sure people can see your face. This is your first impression, make it count!

#3: Use a great cover photo –

If you live in Milwaukee and are trying to do business there, your cover photo should somehow relate to that place or subject.  

#4: Use Video –

Video plays on all the senses, and it’s the best way for people to get to know you in the least amount of time.

#5: Put your ear to the ground –

See what’s working, watch what other people are producing, and always look for ways to improve.

#6: Message people –

This is the core of LinkedIn: relationship building.

#7: Create a hashtag –

Quentin Allums uses #JustQ and that’s a perfect example. It’s trackable, it’s short and it tells part of his story. LinkedIn doesn’t notify you when someone shares your content. So if you include your hashtag in each of your posts, you can then search your posts and shares.

#8: Go to events –

At some point, the relationships you are building must go beyond the screen. Get out and connect with people, start a LinkedIn local, etc.  

#9: Put Calls to Action (CTAs) in your profile –

Once people have connected with you, tell them why that connection is so important to you, or what you want them to do.

#10: Optimize your profile –

Make sure that your descriptions, bio, and content clearly reflect who you are and what you are trying to do.

So there you have it! I hope this post shows you the excitement and opportunity that is buzzing around LinkedIn. Even if you have doubt, like I did, trust me it’s worth a visit. Start following others who are creating on LinkedIn and put your ear to the ground. Find your cadence. You will become an influencer in front of people you really want to connect with. It’s powerful. And it’s working powerfully for me.

I want to hear what you think! Leave me a comment here, and  please connect with me on LinkedIn (LinkedIn.com/in/neilmathweg) and let’s continue the conversation.