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LinkedIn – still about business or just too much fun?

Over the last 12 months, I’ve noticed a vast change in LinkedIn, not just in terms of the type of content but also sheer volume.

Whilst I have always personally been very proactive on LinkedIn, a platform I like in terms of style and substance, I started to feel it was becoming a bit saturated and it got me thinking about what my connections are really looking for from this platform?

For some it began as a job hunting tool. An on-line CV they hope will attract potential employers. For others (like me) it’s all about the networking. Meeting like-minded business professionals who could better know me, my company and where we can find areas of mutual benefit. And also, it can be a useful personal development tool, keeping up with the latest industry trends.

However, especially since lockdown started, posts that I felt were a little more apt for Facebook started to regularly appear on my timeline.

I personally like to hear more about people. It gives me an insight into them that I would not get from a formal business post. I am a people person, so if I feel engaged with that person, I naturally want to support them. Their product might not be for me on that day, but I have many connections and I might be able to recommend them or indeed have a need myself in the future. I tend to remember those who stand out.

It all made me wonder what everyone else was thinking on this topic and even question my own content. I decided to undertake a bit of primary research amongst LinkedIn users to see how they felt about the subject.

LinkedIn poll

The poll very clearly showed me that, across the board, there is an eclectic mix of views (like everything else in life) and we all have different perspectives. My connections had varied expectations on what LinkedIn should be used for.

I’ll let you read the results and really interesting comments for yourself.

It is interesting to note that most are generally welcoming about the platform allowing users flexibility to speak about themselves. I did wonder if we would see a bit of an outcry about it becoming too like Facebook/Insta, but actually it seems that there are many like me who welcome people talking about themselves. And having such a large sample (almost 400 votes) I feel quite confident about this result.

I’ll let you draw your own conclusions

For me, I will continue to be authentic in my activity and not over think any of it. That said, you will never see me posting content that is uncomfortably personal (unless my dog who has been my colleague for 18 months is too much) and I very much hope I can be continue to be varied in my content, engage with the many wonderful connections that I am truly grateful to be connected with.

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