STOP BEING IN LOVE WITH "LIKE"

It seems that so many of us love life in the fast lanes. What ever can make life simpler and faster seems to resonate with many of us and we just go for it! In fact, many of us want it so bad, we beg for it....oh, how we yearn for the simple and fast life! The faster the better!

But.... taking the simple way is not often the key if you are looking at value! If you want to save time...then "liking" is the way to go but if you want to "add value" then...it's time to stop being in love with "like".

We often want to make ourselves feel better ..justified by the fact we are at least doing something...so we do this by clicking on "like". However, if you really think about it..."like" does not really say anything...in fact, it barely gets noticed! Why? Because the word in itself does not answer the big "Why" and in reality, it is that "Why" that triggers communication, discussion, and relationship building. It is not to say that "like" is not appreciated, it's just to say that your activity could just be...so much more!

Most successful people on LinkedIn do more than simply "like"; they follow a certain LBLRFAOL protocol:

These people USE this professional online networking tool to network, increase engagement, extend reach, create value, inspire and motivate others, initiate conversation, build relationships, have a voice, lead, showcase superpowers, and ultimately create a platform for personal / professional success.

David Petherick, a fellow LinkedIn Trainer, and in my LinkedIn People Pod, said it well: "A simple 'like' gives no context to your network who'll see what you have liked. Why did you like something - what did it mean to you? Nobody knows. So it's just noise, but without a strong signal. Instead, add a comment, adding context from your point of view."

What can you do beyond the simple act of "liking" what others post that will help encourage engagement and bring added value?

1. Comment on the post - Comments go further because they help to add "value", "personal opinion", and "additional or alternative ways" of working with the information at hand.
2. Share the post and add a personal comment or ask a question -The more engagement a post gets, in the form of comments , the more people will see it across LinkedIn and the more of a chance that discussion will occur as a result.
3. Mention a connection or a company, in your posts -By Including the @ symbol immediately followed by the user's/company's name in your status update, that user/company will be alerted of the mention and their name will also link to their profile/page in the status update itself.

"Likes" are fine but, don't be too in love with "likes". You can do more! To get more traction, engagement, and even reach....ask a question, give an opinion, add additional information, explain an alternative way of thinking or doing, back it up, thank, disagree if you need to (but in a kind and caring way), encourage and support.

Jeff Young, another LinkedIn Trainer, and in my LinkedIn People Pod, published on Pulse about this: LinkedIn Tip: Like vs. Comment vs. Share an Update

There are a lot of times to take the easy and quick way put but when it comes to LinkedIn, it may be time to think differently. The extra time could pay off. It is not about over-extending the whole "do-gooding" thing.. but... LinkedIn is about building relationships! I can't think of a better way of doing that than getting conversation started.

After time and consistent engagement you should find that companies and individuals look to you for advice as thought leader and you will most likely see the "Law of Reciprocity" come into play – when you do something nice for someone, that person will have a deep-rooted psychological urge to do something nice in return (just saying...no expectations!)

How fantastic would it be if we all stopped loving "like" and decided that it was time to up the LinkedIn experience?

PS: Did I mention .... one easy way for you to get started would be to comment, share, or pay this blog forward? Thank you!

Shelly Elsliger, PPCC

Career Specialist I Online Branding Coach I LinkedIn Trainer-Revolutionizing Branding Strategy & Unlocking Confidence!