Let's cut to the chase. Networking, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, is overrated. Yep, I said it. Don't get me wrong; there's a place for networking, but the way it's being hyped up these days? Totally blown out of proportion.
I got the idea to write this article from an interview with Naval Ravikant when he said that networking is overrated. If you're interested, you can watch the full discussion here: Naval Ravikant Interview.
LinkedIn is Superficial
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First off, LinkedIn is filled with junk these days. It's like a never-ending junk mail folder with a fancy name. Everyone's trying to sell you something, and the authenticity? Zero. People are parading around with exaggerated titles and accomplishments that don't hold up in real life 🤡. It's a superficial playground where everyone's trying to outdo each other with buzzwords like "growth hacker" or "thought leader." Give me a break.
If you want a deeper dive into the lack of authenticity on LinkedIn, check out my blog post here, where I discuss why nobody is genuinely connecting and how it truly impacts professional relationships.
Create Your Own Content
Instead of wasting your time on LinkedIn, why not create your own content? When you write your own blog or maintain a personal website, you're showcasing your actual work. It's like a portfolio, but better. Your content speaks volumes about who you are, what you believe in, and what you can do. It's like a business card but with substance—a flyer about yourself that's way more detailed and authentic.
More Credibility
In my opinion, having your own domain and uploading your work gives you more credibility. On LinkedIn, it's too easy to fake it. You can easily get lost in a sea of self-proclaimed "experts" and "gurus." But when you have your own content, people can see your real skills, your actual work, and your genuine opinions. It's harder to fake consistent, quality content.
Make Interviews Easier
Here's another perk—your personal content can be a game-changer in interviews. Imagine going into an interview, and instead of just talking about what you can do, you can show them. Your blog posts, articles, or projects can make the interview process more natural and easier. It's like having a conversation about something you both care about, rather than just ticking off boxes on a resume.
Blogs Show Your Personality
Especially with blogs, you can have a voice, an opinion. It makes it easier for people to get to know you, not just your skills. When someone reads your blog, they get a sense of who you are, what you stand for, and how you think. It's personal and engaging, something that a LinkedIn profile can't achieve.
Less is More
Less is more! Buy your own domain, upload your work. No need for all the buzz and whistles on LinkedIn. A positive side effect? Your content can get indexed by Google. That's right, your content is now searchable and accessible to anyone who's interested. You're not just another profile on a social platform; you're an authority in your field in the long run.
No Competing for Attention
And let's not forget, on LinkedIn, you're competing against ads, spam, and other desperate attempts to grab attention. Your carefully crafted post about your latest project? Buried under a pile of promotional garbage. But on your own platform, you control the narrative. No distractions, just your work.
Cookie-Cutter Profiles
People's LinkedIn profiles all look the same these days. Same structure, same buzzwords, same everything. It's like everyone went to the same branding seminar. On your own site, you can be unique, stand out, and present yourself in a way that truly reflects who you are.
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Addressing the Counterarguments
Now, I can hear some of you saying, "But networking is essential for career growth!" Sure, building relationships is important. But do you really need LinkedIn for that? Real connections happen through genuine interactions, not superficial endorsements. Another counterargument is that LinkedIn provides global connections. True, but how many of those connections are meaningful? A thousand random connections won't help you as much as ten genuine ones. Some might say personal content creation is time-consuming and may not get visibility. But think about it—quality over quantity. A well-crafted blog post can have a lasting impact, far more than a fleeting LinkedIn post. And finally, networking is about relationships, right? Personal content can spark conversations, show your personality, and build relationships too. It's not one or the other.
My Last Thoughts
So there you have it. Networking, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, is overrated. Focus on creating your own content, showcasing your real work, and building genuine connections. In time, your network will gradually increase due to your unique content, like a bee being attracted to flowers. But remember, patience is key—good things take time.
P.S if you’re wondering where I got the LinkedIn Elephant meme, here is the source.
Key Takeaways
- LinkedIn is packed with inflated job titles and achievements, making it feel fake.
- The platform is cluttered with ads, spam, and promotional content, burying genuine posts.
- Creating your own blog or website showcases your actual work and adds credibility.
- Personal content allows for a unique, authentic representation of your skills.
- Blogs and personal websites allow you to express your voice and opinions, providing a deeper connection with readers.
- Owning your platform means you control the narrative without competing for attention.
- Unlike the quick visibility of LinkedIn posts, good blog posts can really stick around and make a lasting impression.