This may feel like I’m stating the obvious, but LinkedIn engagement is incredibly important, especially in the immigration space and especially right now. Using social media in a professional capacity makes a lot of people uncomfortable and feeling anxious and understandably so but using LinkedIn changed my career and my life. And that was before our networking moved almost exclusively to virtual events and social media!
Now that we aren’t going to in-person conferences (such as the AILA, etc.), so the back-and-forth on LinkedIn is replacing in-person networking. I promise that embracing LinkedIn is a lot less intimidating than it looks and there are two great reasons why LinkedIn engagement can make a huge difference to your career as an immigration or global mobility professional.
Why LinkedIn engagement is a great way to network in the immigration industry: we can’t meet face-to-face
With in-person networking opportunities and events slowly coming back, LinkedIn is still the most valuable networking tool in your arsenal. It’s the easiest way to connect to other professionals in your field, potential clients, and collaborators and establish yourself as a thought leader with your own content.
If you’re new to LinkedIn, don’t worry. It’s very easy to set up your profile and start meeting like-minded professionals and start having engaging and authentic conversations! The more you do, the more engagement you’ll get as you continue to create content and build an audience.
Another reason why LinkedIn engagement is so important: it’s the social media platform that really helps you as you post. I know this sounds a little weird if you’re hesitant about using social media for your immigration or legal work, but LinkedIn actually wants you to engage!!
Another reason why LinkedIn engagement is important: LinkedIn WANTS you to engage and rewards it!
Don’t believe me? Check this out…
I received a LinkedIn notification one morning.
Usually, notifications tell me that someone liked or commented on my post, mentioned me in their post, started a new job, etc. I.e. specific things. This notification, however, was completely generic. The notification just said, “people are reacting to your post” with no recommended action or next step to take.
Why would LinkedIn do this?
Here’s why I think LinkedIn uses this kind of notification:
- This notification makes you feel good about your content. LinkedIn wants to remind you that folks are enjoying your content and, perhaps subtly, to keep posting.
- It may be a nudge to revisit that post and look at who is reacting and how. I don’t get a notification for EVERY SINGLE reaction, and so if someone outside my network reacts who I may want to connect with, I may miss it.
- It gives me insight into HOW my network is reacting to my content. There are multiple options (e.g. 👍,❤️,💡, etc.) and I learn and strategize accordingly.
It’s been a great way for me to keep tabs on my LinkedIn posts and keep track of who’s engaging with them. Another quick tip for you: when people start engaging with your posts, be sure to respond to them! LinkedIn engagement is important so be sure to do everything in your power to keep these responses and (possible new audience members) coming in.
Thoughts?
