Why Your LinkedIn Profile Matters More Than You Think: Essential Tactics to Streamline Your Approach and Achieve Your Goals

“I never really paid attention to my LinkedIn until I started going to meetings, and people said that they check me online beforehand.”

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. We hear this all the time. After eight years in the business—originally sparked by happenstance thanks to 250,000 followers and 45,000 newsletter subscribers—people often ask us, "How did you do it?" and, more importantly, "What kind of results can I expect?"

Many accomplished professionals have been so focused on real-world success—achieving goals, closing deals, and moving the needle—that they haven't had time to polish their digital presence. But in today’s digital age, neglecting LinkedIn could mean missed opportunities.

With a deep understanding of the LinkedIn landscape, I've seen firsthand how a strong LinkedIn presence can transform your professional trajectory. Whether you want to generate leads, position yourself as a thought leader, or secure your next job opportunity, LinkedIn can help you achieve all of these goals. Here’s how to make the most of it.

1. Build Your Network Strategically

Whether you're a novice just starting out on LinkedIn, an experienced Sales Navigator user who hasn’t fully maximized its potential, or you’re ready to create a solid, consistent funnel that integrates with other tools like CRMs and AI, how you network, how often you network, and who you network with are all crucial.

Your network is more than just a collection of contacts; it’s your gateway to opportunities. A strategically built network allows you to showcase your content to people who are relevant to your industry and niche, opening doors for collaboration, sales, and growth.

What Not to Do: Don’t connect with just anyone and everyone. A scattered, haphazard network can dilute your brand and fill your feed with irrelevant content.

What to Do: Be intentional about connecting with individuals who are directly related to your industry, target market, or who share common professional interests. This could include colleagues, clients, industry leaders, or even competitors. The goal is to build a network that supports your business objectives and offers valuable insights, paving the way for meaningful engagement and opportunities.

2. Be Consistent in Your Efforts

Consistency is key in the LinkedIn world. Whether it’s building your network or sharing content, a consistent approach helps keep you visible and relevant. Inconsistent activity can make you appear unreliable or uninterested, which can harm your professional image.

And then, I’m going to call myself out on this one—I went from writing an article a day on LinkedIn Pulse and posting every day to only doing a newsletter every other week. Why? Time constraints from a growing business. I get it, you're busy.

What Not to Do: Don’t disappear for months and then suddenly flood your feed with posts. This can confuse your audience and makes it difficult for them to engage with you.

What to Do: Regularly spend time on LinkedIn, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Engage with your network’s posts, share relevant content, and participate in discussions. This consistent presence helps keep you top-of-mind and builds your reputation as a thought leader in your industry.

3. Understand Your Audience Before You Start Sharing Content

One common mistake professionals make is jumping straight into content creation because it’s shiny, pretty, and everyone talks about it. But without a clear understanding of who your audience is, what their pain points are, and how you can solve them, your content will likely fall flat.

What Not to Do: Don’t start posting content without a strategy. Random posts won’t resonate with your audience and could end up being a futile effort.

What to Do: Take the time to understand your audience deeply. Who are they? What are their challenges? How can you provide value? Once you have a solid understanding of your audience, create content that addresses their pain points and offers solutions. This approach not only attracts attention but also builds trust and authority.

As an accomplished professional, your time is valuable, and so is your online presence. By building your network strategically, maintaining consistency, and understanding your audience before creating content, you can transform LinkedIn from a neglected profile into a powerful tool for lead generation, building a sales funnel, and closing deals.

Remember, LinkedIn isn’t just a platform for job seekers—it’s a space where real business happens. Start leveraging it today, and see how it can help you achieve your professional goals.

Kim Peterson Stone is a three-time business founder, keynote speaker, and leading LinkedIn strategist that has amassed a global following of over 225,000 on LinkedIn. Not only has she authored hundreds of articles on LinkedIn and become a verified thought leader, but she has helped her clients do the same.

Her B2B digital marketing agency, Linkability, Inc., has helped many clients from Intrapreneurs and Entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies work smarter on LinkedIn by leveraging the art of surviving disruption. With her intimate knowledge of thought leadership, entrepreneurship, and global business communications, Kim uses creative and purpose-driven solutions to develop a strong brand presence, generate targeted leads, and maximize online visibility for their clients.

Kim has changed the lives of many, not by selling products but by solving problems, and she can teach you to do the same.

Are you looking to strengthen your LinkedIn strategy to stay ahead of your future career goals? Let us help – reach out to us today!