So when I wrote my “about me” page I did specify that I didn’t create my blog to rant. (And of course I disclosed that I am a Fastly Fanboy.) But one thing that I didn’t mention was that I am not looking to create viral content.  Recently I’ve reached a point where the people I’ve followed in the past have driven me to reiterate that statement.  (As well as “unfollow” several people.)  There are so many reasons to post on LinkedIn.  I’d like to discuss several, and which ones I like to think are my reasons.  (Yes, there is some ranting here.  So please forgive me.)

Months ago I met with a great social media consultant. She did ask what my goals were – and I already knew that this blog wasn’t part of selling books, products or services. There are folks here where they are looking to get replies, likes or some other acknowledgement. They might be out to sell books, perhaps to attract people to their product/service. Or maybe it is part of their “self-actualization.” Nothing wrong with any of these goals. Often these posts are easy to spot. They almost always end with a call to action. Perhaps it is as simple as ending with “Agree?” One of the other ploys is to look for getting people reacting or outraged.  After all “outrage” is what makes the Internet go ’round. As for me – I feel manipulative when I write with the purpose of going viral in mind. Even worse I feel manipulated when I read content like that where I feel pulled to respond in a reactive way.  (And those posts often have 1000+ responses.)  There is too much diverse energy there to have any sort of discussion or dialog. If the author was successful in their goal it has invoked some deep visceral response and often debate or true discussion is not even possible.

As for me, hopefully you can tell this isn’t my goal. I post when I feel a post is ready, not on the schedule of “best time” to get readership. And I rarely end with a “call to action.” Yes, I’ll end with a question now and then – but those are the times where I honestly am looking for input on what the reader thinks. And you’ll notice I am not the best at adding photos to my posts.  Lastly I’ve got a plugin to help my posts be better and I don’t give it the attention it deserves.

Another reason folks post here is to promote the company they work for. This can be great, especially if you provide some other value mixed in there. Yes – I’m a Fastly Fanboy, and will post (or reply to) positive missives about them. But I have other goals with my blog, and at times I feel guilty that folks might think I’m doing it solely because I have a small number of shares in the company.  Sorry but my integrity is far more expensive than that. I’ve done paid research for investment firms (who knew my equity stake) and can back up that fan status with public facts. Yes, there are a lot of positive things I know from my time inside that I can’t (and won’t) disclose. But how about some balance in what you promote?  I’ve got two connections that I used to work with that only posts marketing ads from the firm they work for. If you work in a specific space, at least half the time you should post industry specific (but firm-generic) information that makes it worthwhile to consider reading your posts.

So promotion of a specific company also clearly isn’t my goal here. You can tell by the diversity of companies I’ve written about, and how most of the posts are not firm-specific. Yes that will change with my current role. But if I start to violate this goal please call me on it with a comment. Or if you feel that calling me on it would be me manipulating you, then drop the connection or stop following me.  (And I’d really appreciate at least a private direct message.)

Another area I frequently see here is ranting just to rant or vent. Folks need a way to get that energy out and I respect that. But it’s not for me – especially in a work-related space. Believe me, I could rant about the way Dynatrace has treated great performing employees with long histories during their short-sighted lay-offs.  Instead I get my satisfaction from helping recruiters get in contact with the handful of talented people I know that are still there. And of course I really enjoy (and often “like”) the worthwhile posts from the many great people that have (been) moved on to the competitors. And recruiters? Yes, I could vent about how some don’t treat people like people. Instead I just drop their connection and don’t recommend my available friends to them.  The great recruiters I also make an effort to “like” or share their posts. And of course they are on the short list when a successful friend is ready to move on or experiences being laid off or managed out. Beyond the “short list” I now have a really large list of folks I respect. At times I’ve send a friend’s praises and contact information to 50 or 60 in an afternoon. Goodness attracts goodness.  If I’ve worked with you and would want to again (recruiter and regular employee) I’m happy to make the introduction.

Which this then leads to why I am here. When I met with that consultant I let her know that I wanted to do 3 things:
1. Build up my personal brand (or “modern reputation” as it is better known.)
2. Share my opinions and create a specific space around Sales Engineering to learn from others. (I hope to have some SE interviews posted here which will give me more opportunity to learn.)
3. If the time came again that I am building up a Sales Engineering team that perhaps my pool of followers might help me find solid team members. After all, if you are a regular reader then we probably have similar views. Or perhaps you feel a healthy tension and have some good things to teach me.

So I hope you didn’t see this post as too much ranting.  (But yes, it did feel good.)  And hopefully it gave you a better understanding of my goals.  (And let me know if you ever feel manipulated by one of my posts!!)