How to take your first steps toward writing on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is potentially the most powerful tool on the planet for changing your career but few people use it to its full capability.

In this article, I’m going to explain how you can take your first steps toward writing on LinkedIn.

If you can follow these steps, you’ll soon find yourself:

• Posting without fear
• Creating new connections
• Building your personal brand
• Enhancing your career immeasurably

Unfortunately, most people don’t do this because they’re not aware that they can build up to becoming a regular creator of content.

People don’t think they can create content easily

They also struggle to get started because they:

• Don’t know what to write about
• Don’t view themselves as a writer
• Are afraid of what people might think
• Compare themselves to LinkedIn ‘professionals’

I went from rarely posting to reaching a 100-day posting streak earlier this year but it certainly didn’t start with a flash of brilliance!

I took a steadier approach and you can too.

Here's how step by step:

Step 1: Journal

It’s really important to develop a writing habit but nobody is forcing you to do it in public.

I started journaling last September when my Spanish teacher challenged me to start writing.

I would take myself to a cafe in Ecuador and write (in Spanish!) what was on my mind.

It started to become a habit and I unlocked the ability to write quickly. And my Spanish improved!

If journaling isn't your thing, try writing a diary at the end of the day.

Step 2: Take notes when you’re inspired

Many people think they have to sit down and write when they’re hit by a wave of inspiration.

This isn’t how writing works.

Take notes when you see, think or hear something interesting.

I wrote the chapter headings for my e-book (JD’s A-Z of Coaching) on my iPhone and added some outline questions and themes. This took place over a couple of weeks.

I also used this approach to craft my first LinkedIn posts. Again in private.

You’re never going to find inspiration exactly when you want it.

Capture it and return to it.

Step 3: Write to a friend

The first audience for your writing doesn’t need to be absolutely everyone (or indeed anyone) that you are connected with on LinkedIn.

I sent my first 20 posts to two of my close friends (one active on LinkedIn, the other barely uses it) and asked them to give me their feedback.

One of them even wrote back with more ideas for me to use!

Keep your audience small and those fears you may have about your writing will reduce considerably.

Step 4: Comment before you post

Great news... You’re almost ready to post on LinkedIn.

Before you do you can make it even easier for yourself with one final step.

LinkedIn is a social media platform. So start being sociable!

Comment on other people’s posts when you see something that resonates with you. It can be a quick “I totally agree!” or something a bit lengthier.

The more you do this, the easier it gets to move from commenting to creating.

TL;DR

1. Keep a journal
2. Capture your thoughts
3. Road-tested your ideas with a friend
4. Practice writing on the platform by commenting

Find this article helpful? I publish a 'How To' guide every 4 weeks to help you take new steps in your career. Head over to jamie.dru to read more and subscribe.