Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. Whether we like it or not, it has changed the way we communicate, work, and even think. While some people use it to keep up with friends and family, others use it to build their personal brand and network. As for me, I chose to do the latter, and LinkedIn was my platform of choice.

When I first started using LinkedIn, I was hesitant. I had heard stories of people being attacked by trolls and hate comments. But I also knew the power of the platform, and how it could help me build my professional network. So, I decided to take the risk and create my profile.

At first, I didn’t get much engagement. I posted a few articles and updates, but nothing really took off. But one day, I decided to write about a controversial topic. I expressed my opinion, and to my surprise, the post went viral. However, along with the attention came the hate comments. Some people disagreed with me, and they made it known. At first, I was discouraged. But then I realized that these comments were just part of the process. Not everyone will agree with me, and that’s okay.

I continued to post regularly on LinkedIn, and slowly but surely, I started to build my audience. My posts were getting more views and engagement, and I was getting positive feedback. People started to recognize me and my content. I was even getting messages from recruiters and other professionals who were interested in connecting with me.

Over time, I started to see the value of LinkedIn. It wasn’t just a place to post articles and updates, but a platform to build relationships and establish myself as a thought leader in my industry. I started to attend networking events and conferences, and I even met some of my LinkedIn connections in person.

Today, I can proudly say that LinkedIn has helped me build my personal brand and professional network. I have connected with amazing people who have helped me grow both personally and professionally. I have even landed a job through LinkedIn.

Building your LinkedIn persona takes time and effort, but the payoff is worth it. Here are some tips that I learned along the way:

1. Be authentic. Share your true opinions and experiences. People want to connect with real people.
2. Engage with your audience. Respond to comments and messages. Start conversations.
3. Post regularly. The more you post, the more visible you become.
4. Attend networking events. LinkedIn is a great tool for building your network, but meeting people in person can help solidify those relationships.
5. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Sometimes, the most controversial posts are the ones that get the most attention.

In conclusion, my journey building my LinkedIn persona has been filled with ups and downs. I’ve faced hate comments and viral posts, but I’ve also received positive feedback and built amazing connections. If you’re thinking about using LinkedIn to build your personal brand and network, I encourage you to take the leap. It may be scary at first, but the rewards are worth it.

– Reen