How to Be Genuine on LinkedIn Without the Cringe Factor

I had a different topic planned for this week’s newsletter—something more aligned with my usual topics. However, after reading Amir Satvat’s article on the shifting nature of job hunting, I decided to talk about how networking the right way can really change the game when looking for a new opportunity. So, yeah. Let’s talks about how to network like a human being on LinkedIn.

It’s going to be a quick one, so, you know the drill.

Sit back. Relax. Let’s jump in.

A Quick Disclaimer

Everything I’m about to say comes straight from my own journey. I’m no expert. I’ve tried these things, messed up plenty, and occasionally found something that works. I’m still figuring it out along the way.

It’s important to know that you will fail and get discouraged. I’ve started many times and gave up. But, I see each of those moments as me recalibrating my focus—and eventually finding my voice. And, you best believe it’ll happen again. That’s what real growth looks like.

A Required Mindset Shift

Networking can feel like a performance. You think you need to come across as an expert. That’s bullshit. You don’t.

You can be yourself—and, funny enough, the more you are, the more authentic you come across And, that’s a good thing.

Talk to people you’re genuinely interested in. Discuss topics that excite you. The goal is to create meaningful connections. When I reach out to someone on LinkedIn, it’s usually for one of the following reasons:

• Friends, Colleagues, and Classmates

• People Who Share Your Passions and Interests

• Industry Peers

• Professionals in Roles You Aspire To

• Mentors and Thought Leaders

Even on a digital platform, a quick gut check goes a long way. When you want to reach out to someone, make sure it’s the right fit.

And, if the word ‘Networking’ makes you cringe, change it.

Call it ‘Sharing and Learning,’ ‘Finding your Pack,’ ‘Client Acquisition,’ or whatever floats your boat. Make it work for you, not the other way around.

The Importance of Networking

With the never-ending rounds of layoffs happening across industries worldwide, if you’re not actively building your network, you’re essentially living under a rock.

Networking isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about positioning yourself. It’s about showing potential colleagues and collaborators that you bring value, that you’re curious, and that you’re willing to engage. It’s sharing your authentic self—your personality, your passions, and attracting like-minded people.

Why LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is ,a goldmine. Only about 1% of users are consistently active, meaning there’s plenty of room to stand out. It’s where your next colleague, mentor, client, or even a professional friend hangs out, waiting to connect. It’s ripe for growth.

The best part is—you don’t necessarily have to talk about work. People often mistake LinkedIn for just a digital CV, but it’s still a social media platform, a place to build connections and share ideas.

Now, about that one percent… Don't bother asking me for the exact data source; I heard it from Courtney Johnson, a social media strategist who seems to know what she’s talking about. And honestly, believing it has worked wonders for me. It keeps me productive and engaged, so I don't sweat the stats. I just show up, and it makes all the difference.

Start with the Basics

There are a few basic things to do to improve your LinkedIn experience:

• Optimize your profile: Make sure your profile shows who you are right now. Use a good photo, write a clear headline, and don’t hesitate to share your story. Courtney can help.
  

• Make yourself findable: I had my profile set to anonymous until last week—didn’t know any better. If people can’t find you, they can’t connect. Since I changed that, my post impressions have skyrocketed.
  
  

  

  Here's the guide. Thanks, Courtney! ❤️ 

• Stay consistent: Post regularly, even if it’s just once a week. Share articles, insights, or personal experiences relevant to your field.
  

• Engage with others: React to posts that made you feel something, leave thoughtful comments on content you care about, and share and repost others’ content you think more people need to see.
  

By the way, LinkedIn recommends only three actions a week: posting, commenting, or contributing to collaborative articles. I skip that last one; feels like they’re mining your expertise for free to train their AI (just my opinion).

From experience, if you engage with content you genuinely resonate with, you’ll blow past those three actions without trying.

Below is a post example I wrote on that has nothing to do with design but does three things:

1. Highlights My Values: Sharing a personal story shows you’re genuine and approachable, attracting your ‘tribe’ of like-minded professionals.
   

2. Offers Value: Giving a practical tip for balancing work and family can resonate with others facing the same challenges. Plus, how often do you see men sharing childcare hacks? Stay tuned for more.
   

3. Encourages Engagement: Sparks real conversations about what truly matters, inviting others to connect over shared experiences instead of superficial trends.
   

Beyond the Bare Minimum

Okay, so you’ve got the basics down. What next? Go a step beyond.

Be more intentional with your engagement. Instead of just liking a post, repost it with your own perspective. Instead of sending a generic connection request, personalize it with a reason why you want to connect. Small efforts like the examples below will help you strengthen those networking muscles. 💪 

The Wrap-Up

Networking isn’t some secret handshake or a numbers game. It’s just people connecting with people. No need to overthink it. Be yourself. Reach out when something genuinely catches your eye. Comment when you have something real to say. Share what matters to you.

Forget about the algorithms and the “best practices” for a second. If you enjoy the interaction, chances are others will too. Authenticity has a way of cutting through the noise.

You have to remember that LinkedIn is just a tool. How you use it is up to you. Maybe you’ll find a mentor, a collaborator, or even a friend. Or maybe you’ll just learn something new. Either way, it’s worth a shot.

So, start that conversation. Share that post. Connect with someone who inspires you. Who knows where it might lead?

Thanks for sticking around and hearing me out.

I'll catch you in the next Note.

Mo. ✌️❤️