A new tool recently came out. A “translator” to turn English into so-called “LinkedIn speak”. Typing in even the most menial, mundane, or outright stupid things gives you an announcement glowing with pride and a sense of success.
What does this reveal about the way we share business-related information online? That everyone is a booming entrepreneur? That we have all mastered the art of staying positive?
Unlikely.
LinkedIn is business, but it is also social media. Moreover, anything that can be connected to our LinkedIn presence - websites, blogs, case studies, etc. - becomes part of that same identity.
It has to look good, right? We wouldn’t post pictures on Instagram where we were caught off-guard with a silly face either. We wouldn’t put the boring or old products in our shop’s window. But how far do we go with appearing successful?
Going back to an old lesson from my first job as a salesman, some things are too good to be true. Which means, some things can be true, but sound too good to believe. Conscious buyers and potential partners are quickly fed up by the flood of positivity on the average company’s page, especially when so little can truly be verified. When everyone is a champion, no one is.
Chances are, while our successes are real and there’s nothing wrong with being proud of them, we are using a few “filters” to hide our imperfections. Perhaps we’re showcasing our product as something absolutely flawless? Purposefully hiding a vulnerability or an unfinished feature? Outright lying, absit omen?
Whether in digital marketing, in-person finance sales or the restaurant industry, I have found that honesty goes a very long way. A deal that “smells like life” invites trust and a mindset of overcoming a challenge together - as opposed to skepticism and reluctance when something is incredibly attractive.
At the end of the day, most of us are looking for loyal, reliable partners. Trustworthy people for repeat business. Such cooperation is born from clear expectations. Think of it this way - a prospect that didn’t bite on your first e-mail can always be approached later. But a partner whose trust was broken will dismiss you out of hand.
Sure, I wrote this post and launched some profitable new campaigns today, but I’ve got a bit of a backlog, as well as household chores that I can’t finish today.
And you know what? That’s fine.