A while back, I had the pleasure of diving into the world of personal brand and LinkedIn with some of the brilliant minds at SBE Team Academy Bristol. As we’re firmly in summer now and a whole new host of students head out into the world of work, I’ve been reflecting on the fantastic conversations I had with the young people in that session.

One of the most pleasant surprises was discovering how many attendees were already actively using LinkedIn and building their professional brands. They’re way ahead of where I was at their stage, and it’s inspiring to see such initiative and foresight.

However, a common challenge that surfaced during our discussion was the hesitation and fear that often accompanies the moment right before hitting the post button on LinkedIn. It’s a relatable struggle, but there are ways to overcome it. Here are some hacks and solutions we shared:

1. Engagement Support System

Line up some buddies to like and comment on your post—friends, colleagues, your mum! It might sound silly, but knowing that you’ll have some initial engagement can help mitigate the fear of getting zero responses.

2. Mel Robbins’ 5,4,3,2,1 Method

Try the Mel Robbins 5,4,3,2,1 method, or even better, the 3,2,1 method (less time to overthink!). Count down and press the post button before you reach zero. This technique helps you bypass overthinking. Then, walk away for a bit to let it settle.

3. Start with Commenting

Begin by commenting on other people’s content. It’s less pressure than creating your own posts and can help you become more comfortable with the platform. Plus, it’s a great way to engage with the community and build your network.

Keep Building Your Personal Brand

Personal brand on LinkedIn is a journey, and it’s great to see so many of you on the right path. Keep experimenting, engaging, and most importantly, keep sharing your unique voice with the world.

Interested in more tips and tricks, have a read of our 7 steps to PRing yourself blog. 

Or for even more PR, have a look at our eBook!