I use LinkedIn every single day, multiple times. And whenever I meet someone at a conference or talk to them over the phone, I always ask them if they have a profile so that we can connect. The crazy part of this to me is how many people either don’t have or don’t use the platform. LinkedIn has changed my career — let’s get into it.

When I started at Urner Barry, I came from the financial sector and had no knowledge of agriculture, protein commodities, price reporting, or anything critical to my role. Naturally, there was training with our market experts and amazing customers to help me get acclimated. I absorbed so much and became knowledgeable and confident in my new industry. But there is something that this role has taught me more than any other: if you think you know a lot, you have a long way to go.

Enter LinkedIn. Do you have ANY idea how many brilliant people are posting white papers, blogs, charts, and insightful perspectives every single day? Do you realize how many companies are telling their stories about new technologies, locations, innovations, and products EVERY DAY? Have you seen how many people hop around every few years from food company to food company and never send an email but ALWAYS post it on LinkedIn? Whether you are looking for helpful data, keeping tabs on competitors, selling your product, or simply building relationships, LinkedIn in not an optional platform.

I have made connections on LinkedIn that I have gone on to meet in person. Many times those meetings have resulted in friendships, speaking engagements, or business relationships. Seeing what people post, what they care about, and what they know creates familiarity and allows you to interact with individuals across the country and around the world. But for those of you who don’t use it, let’s talk about the most common reasons I hear:

1. I am not looking for a new job: Me either. And thinking that LinkedIn is just a virtual resume is antiquated and inaccurate. In fact, if you WERE looking for a new role, having activity on your page is probably just as important as your job experience to anyone who has decided to look at your profile during the hiring process.

2. I don’t use social media: LinkedIn is not Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Tik Tok. The algorithm shows you posts from your connections (who you choose) and the posts that they like or interact with. It will also show you posts by companies you follow and suggest new connections and companies based on your preferences. Choose to tailor your network to those you learn from, and the value will skyrocket.

3. I never know what to post: What does your company pay you to do? What do you bring to the table that makes you valuable? Are you a great financial mind? Are you an analyst? Are you in sales? Whatever skills and qualities you possess that support your career will likely be of interest to others in your space. And if you are nervous to start posting, at least start commenting.

No matter what your age or position in a company, no matter your aspirations or skillset, LinkedIn has a spot for you. A spot to network, to share, to learn, and to build your brand. Stop telling yourself it isn’t a good use of time or that you don’t know where to start. Where there is opportunity to learn and connect, there is inherent value.

And if you don’t believe me but are reading this blog, Meatingplace found me on LinkedIn. See you there.

This is NOT a resume

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