How is LinkedIn like picking Blackberries?

This week I’m in rural Kent, in a beautiful village in a gorgeous cottage, while I focus on writing my book. Did you not know I'm writing a book? You do now! Spoiler alert: it's about LinkedIn 💜

Yesterday I went for a walk and came across bushes and bushes of blackberries. I don’t mind a bit of foraging, so I pulled out my foldaway shopping bag and got to work.

As I filled my bag, I got to thinking about LinkedIn – as you do (ok, so maybe I’m a bit weird!). Here are the ways I see how I can help you understand LinkedIn as being similar to picking blackberries:

1 Don’t compare yourself to others, we all started somewhere.

When you join LinkedIn, you have no connections, no followers. It’s easy to get put off by imposter syndrome, especially when you see other people who have thousands of followers and connections. It really can seem daunting and may prevent you from getting started.

There are over 930 million people on LinkedIn right now – they’re there, just waiting for you to pop into their feed or their DM’s and say ‘hi’. We all started from the same place so just get going. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll grow.

I looked at my empty shopping bag with one blackberry in my hand and wondered whether my task was worth it. Then I remembered this feeling from picking blackberries as a kid, and I pressed on.

 2. Seize opportunities when they arise, they may never be there again

If you see a post or a come across a person you think is interesting or could help you – take action! Don’t think you’re not good enough or that the time isn’t right – act straight away in the moment!

I could have left the blackberry bushes and gone back today – but someone else may have scrumped them all and I would have been so cross.

3. Take your time and don’t move too fast

One thing you can’t do on LinkedIn is rush. Building relationships takes time. You wouldn’t ask someone to marry you on a first date, would you? A few valuable new connections are worth so much more than a whole load of connections who are not aligned to what you do.

Foraging around in the woods with potential holes, nettles and a host of unknown creepy crawlies meant I had to tread carefully and move slowly so I didn’t get injured!

4. Not everyone is friendly

Sadly there are some people on LinkedIn who are not very nice. Not many, thankfully but you may well come across them. Avoid getting into heated arguments with people, just ignore and move on. Bear in mind the algorithm tracks your behaviour on LinkedIn so if you spend time conversing with someone on the platform, you’re more likely to get their content appearing in your feed. If you come across someone who is bothering you, tell them you’re going to block them. Block them and move on.

Blackberries have very sharp prickles; you don’t want to experience one of those I can tell you! So some damage limitation is wise here

5. Be open to those who give you joy – it’s not just about the sale

Sometimes someone will pop into your feed who you instantly recognise as a supporter or champion of what you do. They may never buy from you, but they will be your friend, or they will entertain you along your journey. Yes, LinkedIn is for business but don’t say no to those who can make your journey easier or more pleasurable. You never know who people know…

During my explorations yesterday, two little bunnies hopped over to see what was going on, I guess I’d disturbed their peace. They hopped out of the bush and just sat there twitching their whiskers watching me for a few minutes before hopping off back into hiding. What a special moment it was!

6. Be consistent

The true way to get success on LinkedIn is to keep going. 15 minutes a day is going to reap better rewards than doing a blast once a fortnight (or once a quarter as someone confessed to me yesterday!). Jump on every day and reply to a few comments, or comment on a few posts – you will start to see your network grow.

Picking one or two blackberries at a time and popping them in my bag slowly grew to this huge bunch – more than enough for just me!

7. Don’t be afraid to have a cull of your followers

LinkedIn isn’t just a numbers game. If you see some of your connections are not helping you in any way and you don’t think you will ever have a synergy – then set them free! Removing a connection with someone is an easy thing to do. The person doesn’t get a notification, so you won’t offend them.

 The algorithm puts content in your feed partly based on your connections, so losing some will help curate your feed so you only see content you want to see.

 When I got back to where I was staying, I noticed I’d picked a few blackberries that weren’t quite ripe or were over ripe. I didn’t want to eat them, so I threw them back where they’ll get composted into the ground to help next year’s crop!

8. Be yourself

Too many times people say that they don’t know what to say or how to behave on LinkedIn. Being your genuine, authentic self is the only way! Write like you speak, show yourself in the same way you show up to real life events. When people do meet you face to face, don’t give them any cause for surprise as that could lead to insecurity.

Look at these photos of me yesterday! Hair all over, no make up, but I was so keen to tell this story that I took the photos anyway!

9. Don’t worry about messing up now and again

We all make mistakes – me more than many, believe me! If we don’t try, we don’t succeed so don’t be afraid of posting the occasional post which bombs. Done really is better than perfect so get out of your own way and just do it!

You should see the state of my jeans! Covered in blackberry juice but hey, a bit of ecover in the wash and they’ll be fine – it was all part of the fun.

10. Enjoy your success and celebrate your wins

I love sharing how well I’m doing in my business on LinkedIn, and I know that you lot get joy from it too; I can tell from the comments I get on my posts! We all love to feel a part of someone else’s success so don’t be afraid to talk about those times when things go well for you.

Look at my breakfast this morning:

I tell you it was delicious! I’ve got the same tomorrow too. It’s all so healthy and really tasty!

11. You don’t need LinkedIn premium

It’s a question I get asked all the time! Unless you’re doing a LOT of outreach, I advise my clients to stick to the free version of LinkedIn. LinkedIn will tell you when you’re going over your ‘limit’. Try premium for a month (you can trial it for 3 months if you’re savvy….), to see if it’s for you before investing.

Guess what? Picking wild blackberries is completely free! Makes them taste even more delicious I can tell you!

12. Share your wins with your team

Not really LinkedIn related but if you do have a team supporting you, don’t forget to thank them – remember how they’ve helped you get to where you are.

My amazing friend (wishes to remain anonymous), has lent me his cottage for the week so I can write my book. He’s got a few stewed blackberries in his freezer for the next time he’s here. It’s only a small gesture, but I know he’ll appreciate it.

So there you are my lovelies, how to pick blackberries LinkedIn style – or how to do LinkedIn, blackberry style.

I hope you’re doing LinkedIn the ‘right’ way – you know where I am if you need any help.

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#LinkedInSimplified

Sarah 💜