In Defence of LinkedIn

Corporate broetry. Performative hustling. The rise of r/LinkedinLunatics. It’s a platform that isn’t afraid to let its cringe flag fly.

And yet…
Every virtual space has the potential to be magic, and the big blue business networking site has been for me.

I’ve secured great roles I was ineligible for, thanks to showing up. Both times, the hiring manager remembered reading my posts and gave me the chance to interview.

It’s also led to genuine friendships. Not just the “let’s grab a coffee so I can extract your brain juice” kind. The kind where someone drives two hours, feeds your kids, and hands you tissues while you grieve. Yes, that happened. And yes, we met via LinkedIn.

I’ve been invited to family events. Talked people through career crises late at night. Proofread countless CVs. Brainstormed names for books / podcasts / businesses. Gone for walk and talks all around Perth. Shared stories and snort laughs over dinner. Played mutual imposter syndrome voice note tennis. Supported and received support.

If you want your LinkedIn experience to not suck, try this:

- Prioritise a diversity of connections. It’ll make you smarter.
- Dial up what makes you human. Awkward, goofy, and earnest are bloody endearing qualities!
- Unfollow the people who make you feel like a sad potato in a world of shiny buzzword dealers.
- Keep showing up even if you don’t need a new job or clients. Networking is an emergency fund: put into it consistently and trust it will support you in the future.

Remember: you’re allowed to plonk your opinions down without being polished or having a content strategy.

Weird little corner of the internet or not, some of the kindest, smartest, most *ride or die* people in my life appeared via my feed.