Linkedin provides the opportunity to establish a professional online profile, join a large variety of networking groups and share in discussions. If you select “Answers” from the More tab at the top of your Linkedin profile you’ll have the opportunity to Ask or Answer questions and position yourself as an expert. With every interaction you leave an impression. Your influence on others and the brand you establish has the potential to influence far and wide impacting your success. A Linkedin Group, Personal Branding Network shared the following quote from Maya Angelou, an American poet and all around amazing woman;
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
It is imperative to know how you make others feel will have the greatest impact on your brand, your influence and your success. That feeling begins with the first impression of your online profile, a firm handshake, neat appearance, phone greeting or a great resume; all will leave others with a “feeling”.
Often the ease of networking, sharing content, information and photos can result in a negative and unintentional reaction as consideration is not always given to the feelings that will be evoked. It is not the specific information or the exact words that will remain in our thoughts, it will be the feelings we are left with. Missing information could leave an impression with some that you have something to hide. Bold caps could put someone on the defensive. Regardless of your perception or feelings towards another individual, do you remember what was said or posted that left you feeling that way?
When we are asked for our personal evaluation or a testimonial for an online colleague, it may not be their long list of accomplishments that influences our response as much as the feeling we had when that individual posted an inappropriate comment online. Although it may have been directed at someone else, it still left us feeling uncomfortable or equally offended. Details of the exchange will likely be long forgotten but that feeling, even if you can’t quite put your finger on it, will most certainly linger on and with it will be an apprehension to provide any positive feedback.
It is not always possible to get the message across as intended and discussions will not inevitably end in agreement but careful consideration should always be given to the feelings you may be evoking in others when you are posting online information. Is it consistent with your brand? Will the comment have a positive influence? Is it credible advice supported by your expertise and past successes in your career? Will it enhance your personal success?