There’s an “I” in LinkedIn, don’t be afraid to use it!

I’ve been meaning to talk about this for a long time.

I truly believe there’s lack of self awareness and self-belief that people show on LinkedIn that gets in the way of their success.

What do I mean by this?

Many many times I see people start their profile summaries on LinkedIn like this:

Experienced executive with a background

Fascinated by:

Managed teams…

So, what’s wrong with this I hear you ask?

Well, I think it gives mixed messages.

It’s like you want to step up and be noticed, but someone or something is holding you back. Or you know you have to be on LinkedIn, but you find the whole idea a little bit embarrassing.

Perhaps you’ve never had to talk about yourself before and wish someone else would do it. You may think anything more directly expressed, is actually bragging.

Starting a profile like this is writing in pseudo third person. It distances the reader.

And as a reader when I see this, I become as reluctant as you about the whole LinkedIn thing. I tend to read your profile in a slightly disengaged way.

Starting your profile with I or including an “I” is not boastful or arrogant.

The point of being on LinkedIn is actually to connect with other people. That’s something that most well-adjusted human beings want to do.

So think about putting an I close to the top of your summary on LinkedIn. Think about starting with something like this…

I am interested in.

I am fascinated by.

I always enjoy.

My motivation comes from.

When I as a reader see this kind of statement, it makes it easier for me to understand you. I can start to be engaged in your story and perhaps want to share my own. It can be the beginning of our connection.

The ironic thing I find, is that many people who do not include an “I” in their LinkedIn profile are the same people who complain that people who get the best jobs are the people who are best at marketing themselves.

To that I say, LinkedIn is a great leveler…..

The platform is yours for you to step up and own.

But you need to claim it with an “I.”

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