LinkedIn Is the New Business Card, But It’s Also So Much More
By Brittany Neish
Let’s get one thing straight that I love to drone on about…
LinkedIn isn’t just an online résumé anymore. It’s your digital handshake, your portfolio, your stage, your soapbox and, in a world of AI-generated EVERYTHING, it’s one of the remaining places where people are craving the real you.
We’re seeing it across every industry. Leaders, partners and hiring managers are turning to LinkedIn to evaluate who someone is, not just what they’ve done.
Are you someone I want to work with? Can I trust your voice? Are you showing up like a human or a highlight reel?
And that shift isn’t just anecdotal. It’s backed by some serious data:
- There are over 1.2 billion LinkedIn members worldwide (DataReportal, 2025).
- LinkedIn saw 1.77 billion monthly visits in February 2025 alone (Semrush, 2025).
- Nearly half of LinkedIn users are between 25-34, and Gen Z usage is growing fast (Statista, 2025).
- One-quarter of users engage with brand content daily (Social Media Content Strategy Report, 2024).
So what does that mean for you?
It means LinkedIn isn’t optional. It’s essential. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, land your next role or build meaningful professional relationships, the time to start showing up consistently is now (literally right after you read this). Here are my favorite tips to help get you started…
Clean Up Your Digital Front Door – Your LinkedIn profile is doing the talking before you even say a word.
Here’s where to focus:
- Your profile photo should look like you today (not in 2015). It doesn’t have to be formal, just professional and clear.
- Your headline isn’t just your job title. It’s prime SEO real estate. Use it to tell people what you do, who you serve or what you’re known for.
- Your “About” section is your story. Keep it conversational, and make sure it reflects your values, not just your work history. And please do not put a bulleted list of skills in there (I can promise you no one is reading that).
Give Before You Get
The best way to build momentum on LinkedIn? Start by giving. Try my 3x3x3 Engagement Strategy (I do this every single weekday morning):
- Comment on 3 posts from people in your inner circle — celebrate them, champion them, cheer them on.
- Comment on 3 posts from people you’d like to get to know better; start a true, genuine conversation on their posts, not a pitch.
- Comment on 3 posts from industry leaders; add your perspective or share a related story.
That’s 9 thoughtful touch points that keep you visible, valuable and human.
Create a Simple Content Plan
Posting doesn’t have to be a daily scramble. You just need a rhythm. Here’s an easy content framework to mix and match:
- Original Content: Your take on leadership, trends or lessons you’ve learned. This is where you share your story (the things AI could never replace you with).
- Industry Content: React to what’s happening in your field and give your take on news, research or articles.
- Celebration Content: Highlight team wins, career milestones or moments of growth (yours and others).
And yes, photos and videos of you matter. People want to connect with people. With AI-generated posts on the rise, your face and voice help people trust that there’s a real human behind the insights.
Canva is your best friend if you’re not a designer. And don’t forget to reshare content from partners and orgs you admire (MHEDA puts out some great stuff, by the way, and resharing some of their content is a great way to get industry content out there).
LinkedIn Isn’t Going Anywhere
Your goals might change. Your role might change. But your presence on LinkedIn is one of the most consistent ways to stay connected to the people, opportunities and ideas that shape your work.
About the Author
Brittany Neish is the founder of What You Do Matters, a leadership and career development company built on the belief that your actions shape your impact. With a background in marketing and a Master’s degree in Positive Organizational Development and Change, she blends storytelling and strategy to help leaders grow, lead and actually be heard.
