Recently, LinkedIn asked me a question. As background information, LinkedIn kicked off with a statement: "LinkedIn members like to keep their work and personal lives separate." A question followed this statement if I agreed.
Short answer: Yes, absolutely. And thank heavens for that.
I use LinkedIn strictly for my coaching business promotion and connecting with potential clients and like-minded people. I call it - Linked Career Explorer. I often see coaches turn more into content creators. It works for some people, but it doesn't work for me. I'm no content creator, and I don't have such ambitions. I'd instead leave it to those who actually enjoy it and are great at it.
Enough about my lack of content creation ambition and back to ladies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). We navigate a world where assumptions about our personalities, interests, or even attire often overshadow our expertise.
So, maybe the claim that 1/3 of LinkedIn users prefer to keep their professional and personal lives separate doesn't come as a surprise. Let's dig deeper into why that might be and explore the power of a strategic LinkedIn presence for women in STEM.
Boundaries Breed Brand Power on LinkedIn Career Explorer
Think of LinkedIn as your digital resume on steroids; AKA LinkedIn Career Explorer. It's a space to showcase your professional achievements, skills, and experience. It's your chance to connect with like-minded individuals, potential employers, and industry leaders.
Now, imagine this carefully curated space cluttered with pictures of your weekend brunch or that stunning swimsuit selfie from your Bali trip. Does it scream "thought leader in artificial intelligence" or "exotic vacation lover?"
At Linda Macelova Consulting, we're huge proponents of leveraging LinkedIn to its full potential.
But hear this, STEMinists: there's a time and place for everything. While showcasing your personality is essential, flooding your feed with non-professional content dilutes your brand message. Remember, you're building a brand, not a personal scrapbook.
What People Actually Want to See
LinkedIn is NOT Facebook. LinkedIn is NOT Instagram. LinkedIn is NOT TikTok or any other platform where people play these days.
The users actually crave content that's informative, insightful, and industry-specific. They want to learn, be challenged, and discover new perspectives. They're not there to see your cat's latest antics (no matter how adorable!).
So, how can you make your LinkedIn profile sing, especially if you're a woman in STEM?
Craft a Compelling Headline: Ditch the generic "Project Manager" title. Instead, use keywords that showcase your expertise. For example, "Machine Learning Engineer | Building AI Solutions for the Future."
Write a Powerful Summary: Don't just list your duties. Tell a story. Highlight your accomplishments, showcase your passion for your field, and demonstrate your value proposition.
Engage with Industry Content: Share insightful articles, participate in relevant discussions, and post your own thought-provoking content. Don't be afraid to show your intellectual horsepower!
Network Strategically: Connect with industry leaders, fellow women in STEM, and potential employers. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions.
For more LinkedIn makeover tips, check my blog post-Polish Your LinkedIn: 5 Strategies to Build a Stellar Personal Brand to Skyrocket Your Career (STEM Edition)
Personality with a Professional Polish
Here's the thing: keeping your content professional doesn't mean you have to be a robot. You can still inject your personality through engaging captions, witty comments, and even the occasional (well-placed) touch of humor.
Think of it like this: you wouldn't wear a bikini to a job interview, right? But you can still express your style through a power suit that reflects your confidence and professionalism. LinkedIn is your professional interview, so dress for success – digitally!
The Power is in Your Profile
Ultimately, you control the narrative on LinkedIn. By maintaining a professional profile, you're sending a clear message: you're serious about your career, you're dedicated to your field, and you're a valuable asset to any team. This, in turn, opens doors to exciting opportunities that might otherwise pass you by.
Ready to Blast Off with Your LinkedIn Profile?
Here at Linda Macelova Consulting, we empower women in STEM to take control of their careers. We offer a range of services to help you accelerate your career growth. But before you dive into our services, grab your FREE copy of our "From Beige to Blast Off: Your LinkedIn Makeover Checklist." This handy guide will give you the tools and insights to transform your profile from snooze-fest to standout masterpiece.
So, what are you waiting for? Unleash your inner STEM rockstar on LinkedIn!
Visit our website today to explore our services, download your FREE checklist, or book a FREE strategy session to discuss your specific needs. Let's build a LinkedIn profile that screams "career champion" and watch your professional dreams take flight!
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