I don’t think I’m alone in admitting this: I feel awkward sharing about my work and achievements on LinkedIn. While I can 100% see the value of doing it, not to mention that I don’t think twice when those in my network do it — other than “good on them!”, that is — I still feel super awkward when I do it. Like I’ll sound like I’m bragging. Like I’m a little kid needing validation – “look at what I did!”. Or like others won’t find what I’m posting that big of a deal.
But I know it’s something I need to get over because again, the benefit greatly outweighs the cost. So, for that reason, I decided to chat to a career coach to get to the bottom of why I feel so awkward about it and how I can get over that feeling, once and for all.
Why Is It So Important to Post on LinkedIn?
“In the current job market, it is vital that all employees are looking for ways to future-proof their career in case of a sudden or unexpected job loss,” says Career and Interview Coach at Relaunch Me, Leah Lambart.
“Building a network and brand online may facilitate career progress both internally and externally. By having a professional online profile, it may help you get noticed by the key decision-makers in your organisation, which may lead to you being promoted internally or being selected for key projects.”
Lambart adds that sharing your accomplishments online also provides the opportunity to demonstrate specific expertise or skills in a particular field or career area. By sharing your work and achievements with your audience, you stay top of mind leading to them starting to recognise you for the work you do and possibly see you as the ‘go to’ person on a particular topic.
Why Do We Feel So Awkward Posting on LinkedIn?
Many clients feel uncomfortable sharing information about their achievements online as they feel it’s ‘blowing their own trumpet’ or ‘boasting’, says Lambart, adding that that is perfectly understandable.
“In many cases, we feel like an imposter, thinking that we are ‘not good enough’, ‘not smart enough’ or ‘not experienced enough’ to be sharing or posting on LinkedIn,” she says. “Likewise, people worry about their network may think. What will their colleagues say? Will people think they have ‘tickets on themselves’?”
But, says Lambart, if you aren’t going to share your achievements, who else will?
What Are Some Tips for Posting on LinkedIn?
So, now that we know why it’s so important to share on LinkedIn and why we feel so awkward doing it, how do we actually go about doing it? Lambart offers a few tips.
Firstly, she says, to consider that most of your network is likely to be genuinely excited for you and send you massive high-fives. Next is to change your mindset and to think of yourself as a LinkedIn contributor. “Focus on sharing and educating your audience — focus on them, rather than yourself,” she says. “How can your work help your audience? Focus on what is in it for them.”
As for the contents of the post, Lambart suggests focussing on the outcome or the accomplishment. “Who have you helped? What impact has it had on others? Why are you proud of what you accomplished? Who helped you achieve this accomplishment?” You might also want to think about tagging those who helped you into your post to share the credit.
Lambart also suggests asking yourself some questions before you post: “Will this post educate my audience about the work I do? Will my success story potentially help others find the same success? Will this post help me attract that next project or new client that I’ve dreamed about?” If the answer is yes, you then have a reason to post – so, go ahead and do it.
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