5 Essential Rules to Position Yourself on LinkedIn

Build trust, attract the right audience, and elevate your brand

Have you ever wondered how some people manage to stand out on LinkedIn? How they position themselves in such a way that they attract the right audience and opportunities? Well, I'm here to share with you the five rules I use to position myself on LinkedIn, so the right audience sees me in the right way.

These rules have helped me build a strong personal brand and establish myself as an authority in my field. And the best part? You can do it too. Let’s dive in.

Rule #1: Never Ask Permission

You don’t need anyone’s permission to share your opinion or expertise. You don’t need a certificate or an award to validate your skills. If you’re good at what you do, that’s all the credentials you need.

Elect Yourself

I believe in electing myself to be on the pitch and have a voice. I don’t wait for someone else to give me the green light. I take the initiative and put myself out there. And that’s the most important starting point.

So, don’t be afraid to share your insights and experiences. Don’t hold back because you think you’re not qualified enough. If you have valuable knowledge to share, go ahead and share it.

Don’t Wait for Validation

Waiting for validation is a trap. It can hold you back and prevent you from reaching your full potential. Remember, you don’t need anyone’s approval to share your expertise. Your skills and experiences are enough.

So, stop waiting for validation. Start sharing your knowledge and insights today. You have a unique perspective to offer, and the world needs to hear it.

Rule #2: Show Yourself Doing the Work

If you’re going to post a selfie on LinkedIn, make sure it shows you doing the work. Not a staged photoshoot or a picture of you at your desk—but a real, authentic snapshot of you in action.

Real Proof Over Pretense

People want to see real proof that you’re not all talk. They want to see you in action. For example, I often share photos of myself speaking at events or working on projects. These images demonstrate that I’m actively involved in my field and committed to my work.

So next time you post a selfie, make sure it shows you doing the work. It’s a powerful way to demonstrate your commitment and authenticity.

Authenticity Over Perfection

Remember, authenticity trumps perfection. People are more likely to connect with you if they see the real you—not a polished, perfect version. So don’t be afraid to show your true self, warts and all. It’s what makes you human and relatable.

Embrace authenticity. Show the world the real you, doing the real work. It’s a powerful way to build trust and credibility.

Rule #3: Drip-Feed Consistent Proof Through Numbers

Numbers are a powerful way to demonstrate your experience and expertise. Whether it’s the number of years you’ve been in your field, the number of projects you’ve completed, or the number of clients you’ve helped—these numbers reinforce your credibility and authority.

Reassure Your Audience

Sharing your numbers reassures your audience that you’ve been in the trenches, that you’ve seen a lot, and that you know what you’re talking about.

So think about your numbers. What milestones have you reached? What achievements can you share? Use these numbers to reinforce your credibility.

Consistency Is Key

Consistency is a superpower. If you consistently share your numbers and achievements, your audience will get a clear picture of what you stand for and what you can offer. It’s a powerful way to build your brand.

Be consistent. Keep sharing your proof. Over time, it becomes undeniable that you’re the go-to person for that thing.

Rule #4: Stay in Your Lane

Staying in your lane means focusing on your area of expertise and sticking to it. It means beating the same drum every day, so your audience gets very clear about what you stand for.

Focus on Your Expertise

For over five years, I’ve focused my content almost exclusively on sales and conversion. Even the posts about other things are tied into these topics. This consistent focus has helped me become known for what I do best.

What’s your area of expertise? What do you want to be known for? Stay in your lane. Let that be your drumbeat.

Consistency Builds Trust

Consistency not only helps you build your personal brand, but it builds trust. When your audience knows what to expect from you—and they get it regularly—they come to rely on you.

Be consistent. Stay in your lane. That’s how you build long-term trust.

Rule #5: Collaborate Through Networking

Networking is a powerful way to position yourself on LinkedIn. By connecting with others in your space, you expand your reach, learn from peers, and open up new opportunities.

Connect with Winners

From day one, I made a point of connecting with winners who were well positioned. These connections led to collaborations, keynote invites, and business deals.

Surround yourself with people who are achieving. It lifts you, too.

Collaborate to Elevate

Collaboration is powerful. By working with others, you tap into new audiences, build credibility by association, and often create better results than you could alone.

So reach out. Start conversations. Build something together.

Conclusion

Positioning yourself on LinkedIn isn’t about pretending to be something you’re not. It’s about showing up as your real self, sharing your expertise, and connecting with your people.

Follow these five rules:

1. Don’t ask permission.
2. Show yourself doing the work.
3. Share proof consistently.
4. Stay in your lane.
5. Collaborate through networking.

Start today. The right audience is ready to meet you.

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