LinkedIn has changed.
Once primarily seen as an online CV and a place to search for jobs, it has become a platform where professionals share opinions, achievements, lessons, experiences and aspects of their working lives.
So, has LinkedIn become Instagram for professionals?
In some ways, it has. But that does not necessarily have to be a negative thing.
The growth of personal content on LinkedIn has created an opportunity to show people more than what is written on your CV.
Your CV shows what you have done
Your LinkedIn profile can tell people about your qualifications, experience and achievements.
Your content can show them how you think.
You could share something you have learnt from a project, discuss an interesting development in your industry or reflect on a challenge you have overcome.
You do not have to be an expert to have something valuable to say.
Sharing can build confidence
Posting on LinkedIn can feel uncomfortable.
You may wonder what colleagues will think. You may worry that your opinion is not important enough. You may even write a post and decide not to publish it.
That is normal.
Start small. Share something you have learnt. Talk about an achievement. Ask a question. Reflect on a professional experience.
The aim is not to become an influencer. It is to become more comfortable communicating your ideas.
Be authentic, not careless
Professional content does not have to be boring.
Sharing challenges and mistakes can make your content more relatable, particularly when there is a lesson behind the experience.
However, being authentic does not mean sharing everything. Think about whether your post adds value, demonstrates your interests or contributes to a useful conversation.
Build your professional identity
Think about what you would like people to associate with you.
Perhaps it is leadership, marketing, technology, finance, recruitment or personal development.
You do not need to position yourself as an expert immediately. You can share your learning journey as you develop.
Turn LinkedIn into a development tool
Rather than focusing entirely on likes and followers, think about what you are gaining.
Are you becoming better at expressing your ideas? Are you learning from other professionals? Are you becoming more confident about putting yourself forward?
Used well, LinkedIn can be much more than an online CV.
It can be a place to develop your voice, build your confidence and show your professional growth.