You’re probably using LinkedIn incorrectly.
While that may sound harsh, according to Chella Diaz, Founder of The Diamond Method, most people have some pretty outdated ideas about the social media platform’s uses and potential. That’s why she created a digital class called LinkedIn Simplified to help business owners, entrepreneurs and employees get practical answers to the important questions, like, “How often should I post?”, “What kind of content actually gets engagement?” and “Where should I focus my energy first?”
We sat down and spoke with Chella about why she created a LinkedIn course, the business advice she most cherishes and what people should know about posting on the social media platform.
Tell us about your business.
I created The Diamond Method and the digital course LinkedIn Simplified to help entrepreneurs cut through the overwhelming noise around the platform. I truly believe that most people’s dream networks are closer than they think, and I help people turn LinkedIn into a genuine marketing tool for their businesses.
What’s the greatest business advice you’ve been given?
“Rejection is not personal, it’s about timing.”
When someone says, “No,” to your service or product, it’s never personal. They may not be able to see the whole picture yet. Try staying in touch with them and giving them tips and advice that will help them get to the next chapter in their journey. Eventually, they will become your best referral source because you helped them out without expecting anything. They will remember you.
“Try staying in touch with them and giving them tips and advice that will help them get to the next chapter in their journey.”
Why did you choose to do business in Western North Carolina? What do you like about it?
There is a strong community aspect in this part of the U.S. People are open, ready to help others and always willing to share resources. The open-minded people I have met have absolutely been the best part of working here so far.
In the next 5 years, where do you see your business going?
I see a community of 995 or more people using LinkedIn to market their businesses. I really want to help people, whether they are business owners, local leaders or entry-level employees, see the benefits that LinkedIn offers. And it’s so easy to get started.
“I really want to help people, whether they are business owners, local leaders or entry-level employees, see the benefits that LinkedIn offers. And it’s so easy to get started.“
What’s a little-known fact or bit of trivia about your business?
There are over 55 ways to utilize LinkedIn — and some of those ways are outdated.
One common myth is that the larger your following, the more business you will generate. Sometimes, all you need is 10 really engaged followers who can introduce you to people in their networks and audiences. A post you wrote to your small audience can keep on engaging people because your followers can reshare it with and send it to others.
If you’re new to LinkedIn, one thing you should be careful with is joining a LinkedIn “pod.” Pods are groups of members who agree to engage with each other’s posts in order to trick the algorithm into believing their posts have a high level of engagement. Being part of a “pod” is one of the best ways to grow your connections on LinkedIn, but LinkedIn prohibits them, so you will be breaking LinkedIn’s terms of service if you participate in one.