Donald Trump may talk about the art of the deal, but on LinkedIn, it’s the art of storytelling that is fundamental to your success online. The way you tell your story on LinkedIn is one of the key ways you can make your content stand out in a sea of posts and comments. Stepping up your storytelling skills will enhance your online presence and help you grow your personal brand on LinkedIn.
You don’t need to be a novelist
I can hear you panicking about not being a novelist. You don’t need to be, to tell a great story on LinkedIn. Telling a great story on LinkedIn does not rely on some sort of magical author skills. Telling a great story on LinkedIn is all about authenticity. Telling your story the authentic way means sharing your experiences, insights, and lessons learned in a way that connects with your network on a human level. The best way to connect with people is to tell your story in a highly human way.
Why your story matters on LinkedIn
In a platform that’s crowded with professional achievements and company updates, telling your story immediately grabs someone’s attention. When you tell your story, you cut through the noise of the newsfeed. Your story stops someone from scrolling, can evoke emotions, and makes your post memorable. When you share a well-crafted story, you’re not simply conveying information. You’re creating a shared experience with your audience. In the world of business and LinkedIn, shared experiences build trust, and trust leads to opportunities.
How to write your story well on LinkedIn
I’ll let you in on a little secret: there is no secret to writing a story well. There is a distinct formula you can follow to create a compelling story and share it with your online audience. Here’s the not-so-secret formula:
- Your story structure: Every good story has a beginning, middle, and end. On LinkedIn, this might translate to a challenge you faced, the actions you took, and the lessons you learned. For example, you could start your post by setting the scene and outlining a time you made a mistake at work. That’s your hook. Your hook immediately grabs a person’s attention because everyone can relate to making mistakes. Then, you’d describe how you addressed the situation, the obstacles you overcame, and finally, what you learned from the experience.
- Your humanity: To be human is to be vulnerable. Vulnerability is powerful and enables people to relate to you more easily. Don’t be afraid to share your failures along with your successes. Your stories of overcoming challenges will most often resonate more than your tales of easy wins. They show your human side and demonstrate your resilience and ability to learn and grow. Focus on your authenticity, and be sure to reflect on your genuine experiences and insights. Don’t try to manufacture drama or exaggerate your achievements. Your network will see through it, and it will undermine your credibility. Instead, focus on sharing honest, relatable stories that provide real value to your audience.
- Your relevance: Your stories should always tie back to your professional brand and the value you offer. If you’re in sales, share stories about building client relationships. If you work in the technology sector, talk about problem-solving and innovation. The key is to choose stories that highlight your skills and expertise in action.
- Your “Eureka!” moment: One of the most effective storytelling techniques on LinkedIn is the “Eureka!” moment story. This type of story is when you share an experience that led to a significant realisation or shift in your perspective. You could talk about a conversation with a client that completely changed your approach to customer service. These stories are powerful because they show your ability to learn and adapt.
- Your “behind the scenes” story: Give your network a glimpse into your day-to-day work life. Share the challenges you face, the decisions you make, and the thought processes behind them. This humanises you and shares valuable insights into your industry or role.
- Your succinct story: When you’re writing your story, keep it concise and focused. You’re not writing a novel, so you don’t need to think like a novelist. You’re creating a post that people can read and engage with quickly. Start with a strong opening line that hooks your reader, then get to the heart of your story quickly. Use short paragraphs and conversational language to keep things readable.
Now that you’re ready to write a compelling story about a recent experience, a challenge you’ve overcome, or a successful moment in your day, where will you begin?
Don’t forget that LinkedIn isn’t a broadcast platform. While it’s important to share your stories, it’s just as important to engage with other people’s stories too. When you see a post from someone in your network sharing their experiences, take the time to read and respond thoughtfully.
Ask questions, share your own related experiences, or offer words of encouragement. This helps you to build stronger connections and encourages other people to engage with your stories in return.
P.S. Here are 4 ways we can help you accelerate your Lead Generation results:
- Follow Adam Houlahan’s LinkedIn Profile Now Click Here
- Join our FREE LinkedIn Group and connect with entrepreneurs who are scaling too
It’s our Facebook community where smart entrepreneurs learn to get more leads and smart ways to scale using LinkedIn — Click Here
- Take our FREE LinkedIn Productivity Assessment
Score your current presence and activity on LinkedIn against industry best practice benchmarks. Receive customised results instantly and as a BONUS you’ll get a FREE PDF download of Amazon’s Best-selling book “The LinkedIn Playbook” Click Here
- Join our Content Ninja Club Today!
This Club is a community of professionals who are dedicated to mastering LinkedIn engagement and seeing real results. In fact, members experience a 300% to 1000% increase in content traction! The best part? You can join the Club accessing a comprehensive set of tools and resources for just $197 AUD/month with no lock-in contracts.
Join today Content Ninja Club Registration
