The LinkedIn Shift: From Corporate Cringe to Creative Gold
Without a shadow of a doubt, LinkedIn is still the best channel for freelancers to get clients.
I'm an events professional, which means I thrive on face-to-face connections, the energy of a room, and the organic moments that happen in person. For years, I viewed LinkedIn as a corporate no-go platform - a space filled with suits and Apprentice-style voices that felt far removed from the creative, human-centric work I loved.
But a few years ago, my perspective shifted. I stopped seeing LinkedIn as a digital resume and started seeing it for what it is: a global community waiting to be engaged.
The shift happened when I finished my last role and realised that if I wanted to find my next project, I had to go where the conversation was happening. Once I leaned in, the results were undeniable. My last two projects came directly through the platform, and I'm now regularly approached by incredible new clients who align with my values.
Whether you're looking for a staff role, freelance commissions, or creative partnerships, there are opportunities on LinkedIn that simply don't exist anywhere else.
Moving Past the Resistance
I know that "putting yourself out there" can feel incredibly uncomfortable. We often worry about being judged or appearing boastful. If you're feeling that resistance, here is how I recommend finding your footing:
Redefine the Fear: Ask yourself if your hesitation is about the platform itself, or a fear of being seen. We often worry about others judging us, but the truth is, you have to give yourself permission to grow out loud. Focus on your goals, and let other people think what they will.
Lurk with a Mission: You don't have to post a manifesto on day one. Spend time in the groups and niches that inspire you. Observe the leaders in your industry. When you see how others are successfully sharing their stories, it becomes much easier to imagine sharing your own.
The Power of the Small Gesture: Start by leaving a thoughtful comment on someone else's post or resharing an article with a few lines of your own perspective. These small interactions are the warm-up before you start sharing your own original content.
The "Cringe" Factor and the Courage to Try
The more you participate, the more natural it feels. It's like any other habit - at first, it feels forced, but soon it becomes your new normal.
Watching someone else strive for more can make people feel uneasy about their own stagnation. If someone calls your ambition cringe, remember that is just their opinion. Let them watch. In fact, give them something worth watching. Your next big opportunity is likely just one connection away.
Getting Started: Three Questions to Ask Yourself
To get started, I recommend asking yourself three simple questions:
What do you want LinkedIn to help you achieve? For example: attract clients, gain industry recognition, get speaking opportunities, build your network.
Who do you most want to connect with or be found by? Think: the clients, collaborators, or people you want to be visible to in order to achieve the answer to question one.
How do you want people to think of you? Personally and professionally, for example: a down-to-earth, family-oriented, helpful social media manager - the type of person you'd want to work with, and have a beer with.
Answer these three questions honestly, and you'll have your LinkedIn roadmap. The platform isn't perfect, but it's powerful. And the best part? Your next opportunity is already waiting there. You just need to show up and claim it.
