Welcome to The Asylum, where we don’t just touch on subjects, we dive deep and emerge with actionable insights. I’m Neal Veglio, your host, and in Episode 5, "LinkedIn - Cringe vs Credibility" we're breaking down the do’s and don’ts of utilising LinkedIn for effectively building your professional network.

We're shedding light on the hidden pitfalls and golden opportunities this platform has to offer, all while keeping it real and engaging.

Whether you're new to LinkedIn or finding your way back after some time off, this episode is packed with valuable lessons that you won't want to miss.

From debunking myths about LinkedIn experts to sharing practical advice on creating a genuine profile, we've got you covered.

In this episode, Tracy Bedwell advises on how to find credible LinkedIn trainers who understand more than just daily posting. She talks about strategies that can genuinely boost your engagement, such as participating in LinkedIn groups and utilising Sales Navigator.

Meanwhile, Michelle Eshkeri breaks down the elements of a professional LinkedIn profile, particularly focusing on the banner and the importance of connection quality over quantity.

Sophie Lee gives us a fresh perspective on thought leadership, emphasising the need to be clear and consistent about the value you provide.

As you listen, you’re going to learn how to create a professional yet authentic LinkedIn profile that stands out, how to engage meaningfully on the platform without falling into the trap of artificial engagement, and why focusing on solving customer problems can lead to better results than just promoting your products.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of LinkedIn fundamentals that many overlook.

You’ll be better equipped to build genuine connections, avoid common pitfalls, and navigate the intricate balance between being professional and being true to yourself.

So, let’s get into it and start transforming your LinkedIn experience from a mundane task into an exciting professional venture.

Guests this episode:

Katie McManus (host of The Weeniecast)

Michelle J Raymond (host of Social Media for B2B Growth)

John Espirian (LinkedIn consultant and Espresso community head honcho)

Philip Charter (Copywriting coach)

Daniel Hall (Spotapod)

Fred Copestake (Sales trainer)

LinkedIn's algorithm has long been a source of frustration for content creators, with many feeling at the mercy of an opaque system that often seems to favour certain types of content over others.

This episode looks into the complexities of the LinkedIn algorithm, exploring various opinions from our seasoned LinkedIn experts who have navigated its challenges.

The guests bring personal anecdotes, discussing their own experiences with posts that flopped despite their expectations, emphasising that the algorithm's whims can be unpredictable.

Ultimately they seem to come to a consensus: while it’s crucial to be aware of the algorithm, there are more important factors to consider...

00:00 Ignore algorithm; prioritise audience preferences for content.

04:48 Content creation is crowded now, there's less reach.

06:40 Consistency and engaging content boost social media growth.

17:16 Focus on audience needs, not content format.

Hey listeners, Neal here from The Asylum.

Let me ask you this—have you ever been drawn into a seemingly prestigious LinkedIn community, only to find it's nothing more than a smoke-and-mirrors show?

On this episode, we pull back the curtain on LinkedIn engagement pods.

These elusive, often misunderstood groups promise skyrocketing engagement rates and viral success, but is it all just a facade?

By the end of this episode, you'll know what these pods are, how they operate, and why joining one might be the worst decision for your LinkedIn strategy.

We’re diving deep with Katie McManus, a business strategist, LinkedIn Company Pages expert Michelle J Raymond, Espresso founder John Espirian, Fred Copestake, Tracy Bedwell, Philip Charter, and Paul Smart joining us too.

We'll discuss why engagement pods give off an illusion of success and what they'll actually do for your engagement.

More importantly, you'll gain invaluable insights into recognising these pods and understanding why they're tolerated on LinkedIn.

If you're serious about building genuine relationships and authentic engagement on LinkedIn, this episode is a must listen.

You'll gain the knowledge to spot fake engagement tactics, understand the reasoning behind LinkedIn's tolerance for these pods, and learn simple yet effective ways to foster real, meaningful interactions.

By integrating these insights into your LinkedIn strategy, you'll not only dodge the pitfalls of artificial engagement but also stand out with authenticity and integrity in a world of shortcuts and quick fixes.

Follow Daniel Hall - pod insider with Spot-a-Pod: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbhall

00:00:00 - Introduction

Neal introduces the concept of LinkedIn engagement pods and why they’re misleading.

00:00:17 - Welcome and Guest Introduction

Katie McManus welcomes the audience and sets the stage for a candid discussion about LinkedIn engagement pods.

00:01:21 - What is an Engagement Pod?

Neal and Katie explain what engagement pods are and how they operate.

00:04:16 - The Downsides of Engagement Pods

Neal discusses the negative aspects, emphasizing how fake comments and likes dilute real engagement.

00:05:25 - Why Aren't They Banned?

Fred Copestake and John Aspirian weigh in on why LinkedIn tolerates these pods despite their questionable ethics.

00:09:44 - LinkedIn's Dilemma

Michelle J. Raymond and Philip Charter talk about LinkedIn’s possible motivations for allowing engagement pods.

00:13:05 - Expert Opinions:

Various experts share their views on the artificiality of these pods and...

LinkedIn bans can feel like a Kafkaesque nightmare, and this episode shares such an ordeal that left me bewildered.

I'll be revealing how an innocuous comment on a post spiralled into a battle for reinstatement.

In this bizarre saga you'll hear about the irony of seeking help from a rival platform, the absurdity of the processes, the often opaque nature of social media policies and the facelessness of customer service in the digital age.

This episode not only recounts my personal journey through the labyrinth of LinkedIn's policies but also serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of online presence and the importance of maintaining control over one's digital identity.

Mentioned in this episode:

• LinkedIn
• TikTok
• Twitter
• Spotify
• Instagram
• YouTube

A sudden ban from LinkedIn turned a planned Halloween podcast launch into an emergency episode, forcing me, Neal Veglio, to change the order of episodes.

We're going to confront the arbitrary nature of platform policies.

Imagine being cut off from an audience without explanation, just days before the very audience you're trying to reach is taken away from you.

I'm hoping my episode highlights the challenges creators face when relying on third-party platforms for their voice.

Follow this podcast in your favourite podcast app to get the next (proper) episode.

Welcome to "The Asylum - LinkedIn Won't Like This", a podcast that gets messy into the depths of the world’s largest professional networking platform.

We'll be ruffling feathers and spilling the secrets behind the connections, the phony influencers, and the scammers who make up LinkedIn’s dark, creepy underbelly.

Each week, we tackle a new topic that goes beyond the polished profiles and perfect endorsements.

From scams and fake influencers to the effectiveness of networking and the point of verification or LinkedIn Premium, we're definitely not here to make friends.

But we're not just going to dish on the 'din – we're also bring in some of the platform's experts to share their insights on business, LinkedIn strategies, and the realities of professional networking.

But let me be clear. This is not a LinkedIn educational podcast. Our goal isn't to make you better informed about LinkedIn. There are plenty of LinkedIn themed podcasts that will do that far better.

This podcast has one goal.

To provide you with a critical, humorous, and insightful look at the darker side of LinkedIn, so you can be better equipped to avoid the shysters, the cringey try hard wannabe influencers, and the copy-paste PDF peddlers.

Whether you’re a LinkedIn enthusiast, a sceptical professional, or just curious about what really goes on behind the scenes, this podcast is for you.

Follow the show now and stay connected to the truth about LinkedIn!