One of the biggest ways to lose people here on LinkedIn is to use acronyms and language that goes over our heads.

In order for us to know, like, and trust you, we have to understand you.

That’s why it’s so important to break down all the industry jargon and terms into words that we get. The way I do that is to simplify each part of my LinkedIn Triangle Strategy into metaphors that people understand.

Let me show you how it’s done.

LinkedIn is all about know, like, and trust. I’ve developed my triangle strategy around that combination, relating each to this platform.

No, LinkedIn isn’t about Rod Stewart back in the day. Doesn’t he look like a youngster?

Your LinkedIn profile is your billboard. You must create a billboard that captures attention and differentiates yourself from everyone else who does what you do.

Now that billboard is only as good as the cars driving by it. What good is a billboard that sits along a desolate highway?

It is about creating a LinkedIn profile that brings the traffic, and stops the brakes, captures attention.

Commenting doesn’t just drive the “like” factor, it’s also good for the algorithm here on LinkedIn.

If you have an amazing billboard, but you aren’t commenting or posting content, then you won’t be as visible as others who are more active here. LinkedIn is NOT an online resume. It is a powerful networking platform and LinkedIn now shows you your profile views AND where those people are finding you.

That’s right. The platform shows you the stats of the people who find you through your comments and the percentage who find you through your content.

For your numbers click on “Search Appearances” in your Analytics section. It should look like this:

Where you appeared

• Comments 43.9%
• Post 43.1%
• Network recommendations 8.3%
• Search 4.7%

Speaking of commenting…

My metaphor for commenting here is shaking hands. We can’t like each other if we don’t have conversations with each other. Reacting to content doesn’t do it. When you comment, you are much more visible to people here, compared to those who just react.

Only 3% of the billion people on LinkedIn post content on the platform. That means there’s plenty of room for you!

When you post content on LinkedIn, you are showcasing your expertise. People will pay attention to you when you give them a reason to. When you relate to us by sharing stories, taking us behind the scenes, and telling us why we should care, we build the trust factor. We are more inclined to trust you with our business and/or trust you with an offline conversation.

Now let’s get back to relating with our audience. We relate when you use language we understand, whether that’s through metaphors, stories, or any and all of the above. We will pay attention to you when we think that you are talking to us, not when you are using language we don’t get, or even if you’re speaking down to us.

Just talk to us.