Sharing what you know has got its sexy back
After complaints from users saying they were tired of seeing too many selfies and humble brag posts devoid of knowledge or advice, LinkedIn has made changes to its algorithm to reconnect platform members to content that will help them feel more productive and successful.
This means posts sharing knowledge and advice has got its sexy back and will once again be prioritised across the platform.
You can read comments from LinkedIn Editor in Chief Dan Roth about the changes to the algorithm here.
This is a great move by LinkedIn and reinforces that the platform is not a popularity contest. As a subject matter expert, sharing what you know and building a community around that will be rewarded.
Yet, many people are still uncomfortable about putting their thinking ‘out there’ to be critiqued. Or they feel that they’re engaging in impolite bragging.
I understand making ourselves vulnerable isn’t a great feeling. However, we live in a connected world, so unless you share what you know, how will anyone know that you know it?
Here are seven reasons why it makes sense to take a deep breath and start sharing your content, insights and perspectives:
Sharing demonstrates what you care about and how you think about your subject matter. It’s your value proposition or ‘shop front’ on display and can provide a reason for someone to connect with you.
Sharing something that’s common-sense to you could be a revelation to someone else. You know more about your subject matter than you give yourself credit for. Don’t underestimate the value of your knowledge.
Sharing what you know is a generous thing to do. Rather than hoarding information, sharing it with another person who knows less about a topic than you do will help you build your impact and influence.
Sharing what you know in social media opens the door to two-way conversation. Engaging with others in what you share could lead you to understand your own experiences and subject matter from a new and different perspective.
Sharing helps you to expand your network beyond the usual suspects. When you participate in social media, over time you’ll be discovered by people you don’t know, but who are interested in the way you think.
Sharing could help you manage your reputation in a tough time. Should the train crash for you one day, your reputation may remain intact if you’ve left a sensible social media presence in your wake.
Sharing can help boost staff engagement. Employees are proud of leaders who speak out on important issues, making social media a valuable internal communication channel. Leaders who engage in social make it Ok for the rest of us to join in too.
With LinkedIn prioritising posts featuring knowledge and advice, there’s never been a better time to share what you know. Give it a go. I guarantee you’ll get back just as much as you give.
If you’re absent from social media or your profile is unprofessional, how does this reflect on your value proposition and personal brand? If you’d like to build your credibility as a socially engaged leader, get in touch.
