Fine people of the universe!
I mentioned last week that I’d been spending a LOT of my time writing over on LinkedIn in an effort to grow my audience and readership.
I’m proud to say that the time and effort I invested have not been in vain. In fact, the “results” have been really amazing.
But so too has the insight gained.
Like any other entity that is owned and operated there are always a set of rules, standards and operational mechanisms by which you must abide if your goal is success.
LinkedIn is no different.
In the last four or five months I’m proud to say that I’ve grown some real community there. Found some folks who I think I’ll call friends for many years to come.
And I’ve also experienced a TON of exposure for my writing and ideas.
But at a cost.
What I’ve learned through my efforts is that everything has a price; and growing an audience on a social media platform is included.
While there are brief windows of opportunity by which you can “Go Viral” the reality is that any success you witness that happens on an established platform has taken an untold amount of effort to produce.
And quite frankly, once you see it you can’t unsee it.
Which takes away a little of the magic. Like finding out Santa is dad or whatever. Decidedly not BRAT:
Anyway, the secret about LI growth is that you manufacture engagement to artificially trick the LI algo into rizzing you up.
For the big boys and girls we all look up to? It’s a blend of the “Good Ol’ Boys” network and folks who pay to play in their sandbox.
For us littles?
It’s throngs of communities that thrive in WhatsApp groups and Discord channels. Waiting with baited breadth to Like & Comment on your most recent post and help usher you into LinkedIn infamy!
Sounds thrilling right?
Well, honestly it was at first.
The reality is that although you’re manufacturing the pump getting primed there are definitely returns in exposure.
But boy does it get to feeling cheap quite fast.
And in terms of time, it’s definitely not cheap at all.
And once you start to realize those accounts you take inspiration from are full of “gamed” comments the magic wears off.
Not to mention the investment in time. Spending all those likes and comments doesn’t happen magically.
The best of the best have a staff of VAs putting in the lords work with their best “This list is a game changer,” and “can’t wait to try this technique out,” and “self-awareness is critical if you want to be a leader that employs empathy.”
The rest of us? Chipping away, trying to figure out which way is up, hoping we can actually find our way back to purpose.
Which brings me back to Ground Control.
Purpose.
I’m here for a reason. For a purpose.
I love people. And entrepreneurs.
But mostly, it’s the people.
With their struggles. And their worry. Feels like a mirror and a sauna at the same time.
I love storytelling. And sharing my perspective.
I love to stand in someone else’s corner and rizz them up because it feels good.
Not because the algorithm rewards me.
So, will I quit playing the LI game?
Nope, but I won’t be ascribing more importance to it than it deserves.
There are two lessons here that are worth mentioning:
1. You HAVE to find a way to attract your audience no matter what the rules of engagement bare out.
2. Just because those ecosystems prove to be of less authenticity doesn’t mean what you think and say is any less authentic.
Life is tricky. And money is to be made. But don’t let that cheapen what you’re doing; most of all in your own mind.
I want to help people.
I want to help you.
But I am not and will not ascribe to being a guru of anything.
That idea is giving ick. And it can miss me.
Might it take a little longer? Definitely.
Might it take forever? Quite possibly.
Am I ok with that? Absolutely.
Because for me, how I got where I’m going is more important than the destination I’m aiming for.
Also, for what it’s worth, I don’t event know where that destination is.
Until next time.
This is Ground Control
- Patrick
p.s. We’re going to go head first in the Consultant vs. Coach convo next so saddle up bucko.
LinkedIn Highlights
No One Else Can Do It Like You Can Do It
