Career Strategy Secrets: Share your insight

“I can’t post about that.”

“I really hate LinkedIn. I don’t want to be one of those people.”

“They’ll know I’m referencing that company.”

“I want to share my successes, but I’m . . . well . . .” (embarrassed silence).

Over at Growclass, I have a variant of this conversation at least once a week.

I chat with brilliant marketers, tech folks, founders, NGO folks, teachers, government folks — you name it. Marketing work pulls in all kinds of minds from many backgrounds.

Many of the people I talk with are stuck in a job search. Some have been for awhile. Some are easing back in after getting laid off. My role is to help them step back and see new ways to tackle their challenge.

(Won’t lie — the program’s overall hit rate is pretty great.)

As we talk, there’s usually a moment in our discussion where the person’s knowledge blows me away and I learn something interesting. At that point, I usually say, “Oh, that would be a great piece for LinkedIn. Here’s how I would turn it into a four-part series.”

And I get one of the answers above.

Here’s the thing—

If you’ve been let go (and it is a common and normal experience), sharing your expertise and reminding people why you’re

a) delicious to work with and

b) knowledgeable about your field

is one of the best ways to reconnect with colleagues. 

It can also be an entry point for telling them where you’re at, what you’re looking for, and asking for help.

Being quiet and waiting to be noticed?

Your mileage may vary, but in 2024, I don’t recommend it.