In it for the likes

“Please like and subscribe” has become the modern day deal with the devil. “If you want to look at this THING, you have to become one of the stats that helps me monetise the THING”.

With something like YouTube, there’s a very simple and obvious monetising mechanic. However, don’t think for a minute that your heartfelt post on LinkedIn about returning hostages, invaded countries (or whatever’s the topic du jour) is just you sharing your inner thoughts because you’re a profoundly deep person and simply “have” to tell your audience how affected you are.

If you were really affected by something, you’d be off work talking to your mum or best friend about it, not broadcasting to a bunch of agency people you met at a conference in 2019 (who then joined your network in case you had some work for them and/or they had some work for you).

The fact that you’ve chosen to talk about non-business matters on a business platform can come over as a tad opportunist. If you’re thinking that’s a harsh appraisal, ask yourself how many times you checked to see the number of ‘likes’ you’d racked up on your latest earnest post. Why would you care about likes unless you’d hoped to boost your profile? People don’t talk to therapists to be told they’re great story-tellers…

Anyway, I’m being overly-mean because I’m trying to make a point, but why not impress and inspire people on LinkedIn with your business prowess, not by looking deep into the lens and tearfully sharing your thoughts on a plight that barely impacts on your life.

Point made (now LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more tips on HOW TO DO NEW BUSINESS).