There are millions of ways to be successful.

Would you still have a job and a chance to be successful without keeping to a prescription for LinkedIn popularity? Yes.

Did you get your job and some of your success because you stuck to a prescription for LinkedIn Popularity? Yes.

We get caught up trying to do what someone else did to mimic their version of success, then we somehow feel guilty about it if we don’t do every step, every time.

• I forgot to post at 8am.
• I didn't use an automation tool to schedule my content.
• I didn't write a month's worth of content out in advance.
• I grew the size of my network before creating content.
• I got good at my job before growing my network/brand.
• I didn't post every single day.
• I didn't stick to my lane.
• I didn't spell check my posts.
• I didn't use enough emojis.
• I didn't leave my personal views off my posts.
• I didn't do enough video posts.
• I didn’t get a professionally done profile pic.

And wow...LinkedIn Stories..what a game changer...I missed out.

^ all of this was sarcastic in case you missed it ^

There is no one way to succeed. We need to stop acting like it. It’s a waste of valuable time to try to adhere to that idea. Use the outline or process that others are promoting and make it your own. You’re not building their brand, you’re building yours. Give yourself a break from the obsession to just do it one way. It takes time to figure out and execute your plan for success.

Remember your social presence is helpful for employers, but it’s not necessary for them to see who you are. There’s a difference in showing up to virtual events and writing about them on social media. Example: Show up to Thursday Night Sales, ask questions, make your presence known, ask for a job, get an interview; versus - posting about it only (I have no idea who you are if you never spoke up during the show). Your actual self is more important than your written thoughts posted for views.

If you don’t have time for something, don’t sweat it. I hate to break it to you, no one is sitting online thinking oh crap (your name) didn’t post today, how will I know what they were thinking so I can apply it to my life?! We don’t know that someone’s post will be influential ahead of time, the collective of people on social media determine the posts influence AFTER the fact. So if you don’t post, no one cares.

Do it for you, and you're guaranteed to be successful.

Start building things yourself. Things that are interesting to you. Things that reward you for the time you spent on them. When you build things for yourself that please you and reward you, you're more likely to stick with them. And the longer you stick with something the greater the chances it will be appreciated by others.

Need a podcast for your next run or drive?

The Rhodes to Wealth Podcast where I spoke about building expertise before creating.

The Surf and Sales Summit Presents: Bonfire Sessions w/ Kevin KD Dorsey

What is your legacy? A podcast by Galem Girmay