💡 Build trust, grow influence: LinkedIn strategies that work

This week, I’ve collected the most helpful posts, articles, and videos on LinkedIn for you.

In today’s issue:

• Ben Meer: How to make your first dollar on LinkedIn

• Lara Acosta: The 7 laws of LinkedIn

• Samantha McKenna: 8 things to avoid

• Chris Donnelly: How to write great hooks

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How to Make Your First Dollar on LinkedIn

Ben Meer provides seven specific ways to start monetizing LinkedIn effectively. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Land new clients

   • Use LinkedIn to generate leads for your business.

   • Balance growth content and sales content to build an audience before converting them.

   • Avoid hard selling in DMs—focus on meaningful conversations.

2. Affiliate marketing

   • Promote products or services using referral links to earn commissions.

   • Identify products you love and search for their affiliate programs online.

   • Create LinkedIn posts that include your affiliate links.

3. Coaching or consulting

   • Turn your expertise into income, no matter your audience size.

   • Use tools like Calendly for seamless booking and onboarding.

4. Online courses

   • Package your best content into a digital course.

   • Look at recurring questions in your DMs to decide what to teach.

   • Repurpose the “sawdust” of your work—anything you can sell as a byproduct of your expertise.

5. Sponsored content

   • Partner with brands for upfront payments to feature their content in your posts.

   • Ideal for newsletters or podcasts but works for LinkedIn posts too.

6. Implementation services

   • Offer hands-on freelance or agency-style services.

   • Examples include content ghostwriting, graphic design, or product launches.

7. Sell a book

   • Build an audience before pitching a book idea to publishers.

   • Use your platform to secure better deals and ensure strong initial sales.

Learn The 7 Laws of LinkedIn

Here’s how to adapt and refine your LinkedIn strategy based on Lara Acosta's advice.

Follow these actionable lessons to build your presence effectively:

1. Use nuance in your messaging
   Avoid absolutes like “always” or “never.” Add context to show the depth of your expertise.

2. Set a positive tone
   Reflect on your posts: Are they constructive and motivating? Prioritize positivity to leave your audience inspired.

3. Teach with clarity
   Don't just tell; show. Share scripts, templates, or examples to help others take action confidently.

4. Offer tactical advice
   Replace generalities with specifics. For instance, instead of “ask open-ended questions,” say, “What’s one process you’d improve if given the chance?”

5. Model honesty and trust
   Avoid shortcuts or dishonest practices. Focus on transparent strategies that establish long-term trust.

6. Show your whole story
   Highlight wins but don’t shy away from failures. Explain what you learned and how others can avoid similar mistakes.

7. Create purpose-driven posts
   Before you post, ensure it educates, inspires, or sparks a new perspective. Test your content with trusted peers for clarity.

8. Engage respectfully in comments
   Handle disagreements with grace and use them to teach or build rapport. Comments showcase your real character—use them wisely.

8 Ways to Master Your LinkedIn Game

Samantha McKenna highlights key strategies to build a strong LinkedIn presence and avoid common pitfalls.

Here’s what to focus on:

1. Be nuanced, not absolute

• Avoid words like "always" or "never."

• Use context and nuance to showcase your expertise.

2. Lead with positivity

• Review your posts—are they uplifting or negative?

• Teach concepts with a positive tone to inspire readers.

3. Provide clear guidance

• Don’t just tell people what to do; explain how to do it.

• Example: Share scripts, templates, or step-by-step instructions.

4. Be specific and tactical

• Replace vague advice with actionable insights.

• Example: Instead of saying “Ask open-ended questions,” provide a question like, "What’s your biggest challenge in [specific area]?"

5. Promote integrity

• Avoid advocating dishonest tactics.

• Share genuine strategies that build trust with your audience.

6. Share the full journey

• Celebrate wins, but don’t shy away from the tough parts.

• Example: Talk about failures, lessons learned, and steps to overcome challenges.

7. Ensure every post has a point

• Ask yourself: Will this post teach, inspire, or change perspectives?

• Seek feedback from trusted peers to refine your content.

8. Be respectful in comments

• Disagree politely and engage constructively.

• Use comments as opportunities to teach and build relationships.

TO GO

Adam Robinson: My Top 5 Linkedin Posts of 2024

Alex Newmann: Your future customers are reading your posts

Chris Donnelly: 90% of a high-performing post: The hook.

Saqib A.: How to write LinkedIn hooks like a pro

MEME OF THE WEEK 😂

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