When it comes to ‘voice’, for me, the most important thing on LinkedIn is being authentic – being the real you – the you you are when you’re speaking to the people you can help most. The voice you use on the platform should reflect who you are as a person, while also respecting the platform’s etiquette and your audience’s expectations. By striking the right balance, you can build meaningful connections and make a positive impression on LinkedIn.
When it comes to your voice on LinkedIn, some people find it a tough cal to find the right balance between being authentic and maintaining a professional tone. While LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, it’s really important to allow your personality and real speaking voice shine through. Don’t forget that you’ll be “speaking” to people who already know you as well as to people who might get to know you, so it’s important to give them a taste of what they will get if they meet you in person. Here are a few guidelines that should help you:
1. Professionalism: Maintain a level of professionalism in your communication without being false. It’s not Facebook so, generally speaking you should avoid using overly casual or slang language, and use proper grammar and punctuation – without getting too hung up about it.
2. Authenticity: Be yourself and let your unique personality shine through. Authenticity helps build connections and fosters engagement. It also allows people to get a taste of what they’re likely to get should they meet you or speak to you on the phone.
3. Audience Awareness: Consider your target audience and the industry you’re in. If you work in a more formal or traditional field, you may want to adopt a very slightly more formal tone – again without being false. On the other hand, if you work in a creative or informal industry, you might have more flexibility in expressing your voice.
4. Balance: Find a balance between professionalism and personalisation. You can share professional achievements, industry insights, and valuable content while still injecting your personality and personal experiences into your posts and interactions.
5. Adaptation: LinkedIn allows you to adapt your voice depending on the specific context. For example, when engaging in discussions or commenting on posts, you can be more conversational, while you might want to be slightly more formal in your profile summary or when connecting with potential clients.
Ultimately, the voice you use on LinkedIn should reflect who you are as a person, while also respecting the platform’s etiquette and your audience’s expectations. By striking the right balance, you can build meaningful connections and make a positive impression on LinkedIn.
Have you found your LinkedIn voice?
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