I stopped runnin’ the LinkedIn rat race — posting what, when, and how I’m “supposed” to — my Q1 engagement grew by 3,013%; my followers grew by 82%; leads went from a trickle to 12+.
I ended 2025 feeling like I was being swept away by the fast paced current of an AI river of content. The world says use AI or else you’ll be pulled under. Post about THIS or you aren’t relevant. Do THAT or clients will never find you. Make THIS MUCH money or you haven’t made it.
Instead of trying to keep paddlin’ with my head above water, I pulled myself out of the rushing current and plopped myself down on a rock to catch my breath and think for a daggone minute. I stopped posting on LinkedIn completely and gave myself space to think.
Changing your game plan might be just what you need to move from visible to memorable.
You better believe the world kept rushin’ by my little rock, but I didn’t dive back in.
The problem is, when we write what we think we’re "supposed" to, we lose our identity. We become a copy of something else. And that somethin’ else isn’t what people want. They want YOU.
You might be visible — putting in the work to get your message out there — but you aren't memorable. You’re just another head bobbing up and down in the rapids. Visibility without authenticity is a fast way to burn out. Plus, you’ll find that the rapids are going to take you to a place you didn’t plan to go. They always do.
I stayed on my little rock until I had a plan.
Here’s what I did instead of jumping back into the rapids (and your micro-lesson for the day):
I sharpened my brand voice to truly reflect and embody who I am. I write like I think and how I talk. Sometimes I break the rules… ‘cause why not? There is no mistakin’ that when you see somethin’ from me — it’s actually, FOR REAL, me. And that’s incredibly important in this age of AI. Your brand voice should be unapologetically you.
I changed my mindset about how often to post. I threw my old goal of 3xs a week out the window and now I’m a once a week-er. Most of the time. This gives me space to be more intentional about what I’m posting instead of trying to churn out something quickly. Your workflow should work for your lifestyle — don’t force it.
I spent less time posting, more time connecting. I now DM every single person who connects with me, asking them about their story. Simple and human. You would not believe the incredible stories and conversations I’ve had since starting this practice. Your people are what matters — make them a priority.
All of this matters because your leadership hinges on authenticity and connection — end of story. My engagement: Up 3,013%; My followers: Up 82%; My leads: From a trickle to 12+ (in Q1 alone).
Doing less with more heart outperformed doing more with less soul. And yours can too.
Put it into practice: If you feel like you’ve been doggy paddlin' in white rapids on LinkedIn (or any communications platform), I’m givin’ ya permission to pull yourself out and sit on a rock to catch your breath. Take the time to sharpen your voice, your strategy, and your workflow.
Sit down for a good chunk of time and reflect on the following questions:
What does my brand voice sound like? Even if you are a “just” one person — a team manager, a solo-preneur, a one-(wo)man show — defining and crafting brand voice guidelines is a game changer to ensure your tone, style, personality, and (**ahem**) voice is consistent and full-bodied YOU. Not sure what goes into brand voice guidelines? Here’s mine for Crafted Voice.
What frequency fits well into your daily/weekly/monthly workflow? Completely forget everything you’ve heard about how much you should be posting. Answer honestly. Answer selfishly. Then try it out!
How can you genuinely engage in two-way communication with your audience TODAY? Yes, like, right now. Choose three people and ask open-ended, actively listening type questions via whatever method you choose (LinkedIn message, personal email, etc. (Issue 008 has more details on this — coming soon!)
How’d it go? I’m happy to chat with you more about what I’m doing differently for my own communications and LinkedIn strategy or about how I can help craft your own brand voice and strategy. Schedule a time with me and let’s grab a virtual mango dragon lemonade.
P.S. Random Things I’m Loving This Week
Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade from Starbucks — A friend gave me a giftcard for my birthday and I sipped the delicious drink while writing this issue.
“Do you really know your family” card game — This was a new road trip game I bought for our Spring Break road trip. It gets a 10/10. All of my kids loved it, and so did mom and dad. We were off screens and connecting. We learned more about each other and had many a good laughs!
This best ever chocolate cake recipe — my husband has made this cake for me every year for my birthday (and one year in January when I was 9 months pregnant). You’ll never make another chocolate cake again after you’ve found this one.
Trello — I’ve used trello for years to keep my projects organized, clients straight, and deadlines on my calendar. Think virtual kan-ban board/to-do list/project management system.