Let’s be honest, many LinkedIn profiles read like corporate instruction manuals – dry, jargon-filled, and utterly forgettable. “Results-oriented professional with a proven track record…” Yawn. If you want to stand out and build a real brand, you need to inject some personality. People connect with people, not corporate robots.
How? Start with your headline and summary. Ditch the generic buzzwords. What actually makes you tick? Are you obsessed with sustainable tech? Passionate about mentoring junior developers? Say that! Use language you’d actually use in conversation (within reason, maybe skip the excessive slang).
Share content that reflects your interests and opinions, not just industry news retreads. Did you learn something cool? Share it! Disagree with a common industry practice? Post a thoughtful counter-argument. Tell stories. Share a behind-the-scenes look at your work (the non-confidential parts, obviously). Maybe even crack a joke now and then. Look at someone like Dave Gerhardt – he built a massive following by being unapologetically himself, sharing marketing insights with a distinct voice. Your personality is your unique selling proposition. Don’t hide it behind a wall of corporate speak. Be professional, yes, but don’t be boring.