I’ve been wanting to post more about my work on LinkedIn for a long time. After a dream career in sports, I started a business and had a lot to share about my experience. But, there were these crazy stories in my head that held me back. I was so scared of judgement of saying the wrong thing or bragging too much or being someone with bad grammar or not being clever or interesting or I don’t even know what… So I just posted about job changes and shared other people’s news for a long long time.
But now, I’m finally doing it. I’m actually sharing about work I’m proud of and it doesn’t feel awful. In fact, it feels amazing! I was so worried about critics and naysayers, that it didn’t occur to me that maybe this exclusive group of past colleagues, academic peers, and friends would be my biggest cheerleaders and supporters. Which is strange because most of these people were nothing but supportive when we worked together.
You guys - I underestimated the feeling of connection I would get by sharing my life in this way.
When I backpacked solo through Europe in 1998, I would drop into internet cafes and send emails about my travels to a long list of friends and family who wanted to hear about my updates. I did the same thing when I lived in Italy for six weeks during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino.
People would reply with brief notes of support or updates of what was happening in their lives. I felt loved and connected even though I was so far away.
And then came Facebook and everything about the way we communicate changed. There were no more group emails.
I miss sending those letters because they gave me a wonderful way to take stock of my adventures and stay connected with people that I didn’t see regularly. Since I’ve started posting updates on LinkedIn and blogging here, I have a little bit of that feeling back.
Through my work, I encourage my clients to publish authentic, honest content online, and logically I know the benefits of showing up online and building connection. The reason I support and lead my clients in this way is because I know how hard it is to do! So hard, that I’ve been making excuses about why I shouldn’t do it for a very long time.
As a goal-oriented person who likes to do things with purpose, I’ve been able to make excuses for not posting about my work on LinkedIn. I’ve always preferred to build work connections in real life and am good at staying in touch with people via text, email and phone calls. I prided myself on being a 100% referral-based business and didn’t really have room for new clients, so why cast the net wider on LinkedIn? And the answer, at least for me, is connection. The feeling of connecting with people from my past feels really good in so many ways.
What’s the point?
When you share your wins, when you share your why, when you share your experiences, you give people a chance to connect with you.
It felt really good to reconnect with people and receive positive feedback. Yes, I felt a little awkward and vulnerable, but I’m really glad I did it. Next time you have a win, no matter how big or small, maybe you should try sharing it too.
You might be surprised at the connection you find.
Until next time,
Elissa Fesyk
P.S. You can find more stories and small steps for building connection over on Instagram @howtomakegreatfriends.
I love how you share how you move from no to yes. And I loved that you mentioned being a 100% referral-based business. You are a great role-model! 🤗