Section 1.1: Beware of Employer Exploitation

In my early career, I joined a tech firm that was eager to leverage my LinkedIn experience. On my first day, I met with a marketing executive who seemed friendly at first. However, the conversation quickly turned when he asked me to share certain corporate posts on my profile.

These posts were bland corporate jargon that nobody would find engaging. When I declined, he was visibly frustrated and escalated the issue to my supervisor. I firmly stated, “I maintain ownership of my LinkedIn profile, and it is separate from my employment. I will not share anything I don’t believe in.” They got the hint.

Employers may try to manipulate your LinkedIn for their gain if you allow them.

Section 1.2: The Cost of Censorship

In another position, I faced a different type of pressure. An advisor to my boss insisted on pre-approving my posts, despite my history of only sharing non-controversial content.

“It’s for your own good,” he claimed. “If your boss misinterprets a post, it could negatively impact your career.” I stood my ground and refused to let someone dictate my voice. Eventually, he ceased his attempts, and I continued to receive positive feedback from both my boss and colleagues, with some even sharing my content.

Remember, no employer has the right to dictate your LinkedIn presence.

Section 2.1: The Ripple Effect of Your Ideas

The ideas you share on LinkedIn are influential. They reveal your personality, shape your reputation, and narrate your story. Allowing your employer to control your profile—or not having one at all—means missing out on the advantages of sharing your ideas.

Every time you enter a meeting, you would have to rebuild your reputation from scratch. Without trust, gaining traction in any role becomes a challenge.

Section 2.2: Your Reputation Travels With You

The era of staying with a single employer for decades has passed. We will likely change jobs multiple times throughout our careers. Therefore, I refuse to let any company dictate my LinkedIn profile because the impact of my posts is enduring.

What I do on LinkedIn goes with me, unlike the confidential work projects that remain behind due to privacy agreements. Without LinkedIn, establishing a reputation at each new job becomes a daunting task.

Section 2.3: Avoid Becoming a Transactional Employee

Modern business practices often create employees who merely follow orders, turning them into transactional workers. Instead of viewing customers as one-time clients, successful companies are building communities.

The relationships you cultivate on LinkedIn foster community, allowing you to transcend mere transactions. These connections follow you throughout your career, opening doors to opportunities that aren't advertised.

Section 2.4: LinkedIn as a Replacement for a Resume

In the latter part of my career, I rarely submitted job applications. My LinkedIn profile attracted opportunities instead. Resumes are often ineffective because:

• Everyone has one.
• They waste valuable time.
• Most sound indistinguishable from one another.
• Many achievements are exaggerated.
• Hiring managers dislike sifting through them.
• Biases can affect decisions.

Why conform to outdated practices? LinkedIn empowers you to approach potential employers with confidence.

Section 2.5: The Pitfalls of HR Messaging

HR teams often attempt to use your LinkedIn presence as a tool for their agenda, cloaking their motives in the guise of career advancement. However, posts drafted by HR are usually uninspiring and fail to engage thoughtful users.

Adopting corporate jargon makes you less relatable, often resulting in disengagement from your audience. Remember, HR does not own your profile unless you permit them.

Section 2.6: LinkedIn as a Backup Plan

Sometimes, jobs don’t pan out as expected. LinkedIn serves as a safety net during uncertain times, allowing you to connect with recruiters and former colleagues. It’s a way to prepare for the unexpected.

If a job goes well, fantastic! If not, you have a network to lean on and valuable content to help you bounce back.

Bringing It All Together

As career expert Justin Welsh emphasizes, “Your employer won’t assist you in rebuilding your profile when layoffs occur. Therefore, safeguard it while you are still employed.”

We all recall the disruptions of March 2020 and the subsequent layoffs during the 2022 recession. Protect your most valuable asset—your professional identity. No employment contract can legitimately claim ownership of your LinkedIn profile.

Finally, avoid controversial subjects like politics or conspiracy theories in your posts to maintain a positive reputation.

PS: If you encounter resistance from your employer, a well-crafted email can help persuade them. [I can guide you through this process in my free masterclass.]