Stop Ignoring LinkedIn: What Business Owners Need to Know
If you’re a business owner and you’ve been ignoring LinkedIn, here’s the truth: you’re missing real opportunities.
Recently, I joined Girls Talk Business to discuss LinkedIn for business owners – and why it’s one of the most powerful tools for building visibility, credibility, and genuine relationships. Whether you’re a solopreneur, coach, or running a growing team, here’s what you need to know.
LinkedIn is a networking platform first – not a résumé tool
The biggest shift in mindset? LinkedIn isn’t just a place to list your experience. It’s a place to meet people, connect with future clients, and grow your reputation in your industry. I’ve built relationships that have led to clients, collaborations, and even international speaking opportunities – all from showing up consistently on LinkedIn.
Your profile needs to work hard for you
There are five areas I always recommend people review first:
- Profile photo – up-to-date, clear, and professional
- Headline – include keywords and tell people who you help
- Banner – eye-catching and relevant to your work
- About section – your story, your expertise, and a human touch
- Recommendations – strong social proof that builds trust
These aren’t set-and-forget items. Your profile should evolve as your business grows.
Direct messages aren’t for selling – they’re for connecting
One of the biggest mistakes I see? People jumping straight into a sales pitch. LinkedIn is about relationships, and relationships take time. Send a thoughtful, personalised connection request. Follow up with a message or even a voice or video note that adds value – not pressure.
LinkedIn is not Facebook – and that’s a good thing
Facebook groups are fantastic for community. LinkedIn, on the other hand, is where your professional credibility is built. While groups don’t work as well here, your personal profile does the heavy lifting. That’s where the opportunities come from – especially when you’re visible and active.
The content formats that are winning right now
Video and carousel posts (those scrollable slides) are leading the way. But more important than format is frequency and focus. Are you showing up regularly? Are you helping your audience learn something, solve something, or think differently?
Use AI to repurpose what you’ve already said
One hour of conversation (like this livestream!) can be turned into multiple posts, a blog, a carousel, and more. AI can help speed up the process – but your voice and your insight still matter most.
Want to watch the livestream replay? You can do that here.
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