Networking and Marketing Made Simple

Let’s talk about the reality of “going viral” on LinkedIn.Most people think virality is something you can engineer on demand.It’s not.Here’s the truth, from someone who’s been posting on LinkedIn for years:You might go viral once.Maybe twice.And that’s normal.In today’s episode, I'm using a real example from my own history. Nearly seven years ago, I published a short LinkedIn article. Four sentences long. That post went on to generate over a million impressions, nearly 14,000 engagements, and hundreds of comments.Nothing I’ve posted since has replicated that level of virality.And that’s okay.Along the way, I’ve had posts perform very well. Hundreds of likes. Strong comment threads. Real conversations. Real opportunities.However, if you see someone who consistently receives hundreds of likes and comments every time they post, regardless of the content, that should raise a flag.That doesn’t pass the smell test.In most cases, it’s not “mastery of the algorithm.”It’s engagement pods… and LinkedIn doesn’t look kindly on them.The goal on LinkedIn isn’t chasing viral moments.It’s building:- Consistent visibility- Real engagement- Trust over time- Conversations that lead to relationships, opportunities, and revenueVirality is an outlier.Consistency is the strategy.Don't forget to grab a spot on our calendar to grab one of our final pre-sale VIP spots in our Expert Authority Mastermind here:https://scottaaron.as.me/expertauthorityconsult

Growth doesn’t happen because you “do more.”It happens because you stop, look back, and adjust with intention.Every year, we run a full Year-In-Review, long before January. We look at what worked, what didn’t, and what absolutely needs to change. And the businesses that grow the fastest? They’re doing the same thing.Here’s what 2025 taught us:Wins:• The Expert Content Society became a true growth engine (275 members and growing), members are posting consistently, creating better content, and seeing real results.• Partnerships and affiliates drove major momentum.• LinkedIn trends were clear: short-form video, newsletters, and carousels remain top performers.• Clients scaled fast, some so much that they had to expand their teams.Challenges:• Funnels need clarity, not complexity.• Over-delivering features inside our community actually hurts engagement.• Operations need to be tightened to remove friction.Surprises:• Buyers expect personalization, clarity, and fast communication.• Trust is everything; testimonials, recommendations, and proof matter more than ever.• Power partnerships on LinkedIn are one of the biggest untapped opportunities.Our 2026 focus?One word: Optimization.Simpler systems. Cleaner messaging. Better processes. More execution. No unnecessary complexity.And now it’s your turn.Before you plan 2026, ask these three questions:Red: What needs to stop?Yellow: What needs improvement?Green: What deserves more of your focus? What’s your word for 2026?Don't forget to download our FREE LinkedIn Post Template Resource here: https://www.thetimetogrow.com/ecsposttemplates

If you are not closing sales on LinkedIn, your content is the first place to look.Most people think the problem is their offer, their niche, or their pricing.But after reviewing thousands of posts and working with business owners across every industry, the truth is consistent.Your content determines your visibility, your authority, your engagement, and ultimately your revenue.In this new newsletter edition, I break down:- Why cross-posting destroys your reach- Why LinkedIn requires a completely different content structure- How to format text posts, image posts, newsletters, and polls the right way- The exact content elements that lead to more impressions, more conversations, and more closed salesIf you want LinkedIn to become a predictable source of clients, start with the content you are creating. Don't forget to register for our Free LinkedIn Workshop here: https://www.thetimetogrow.com/experts-edge-linkedin-content-that-closes-workshop

Your LinkedIn Newsletter can be one of the most powerful tools for growing your brand, but only if you use it strategically.Here are three simple ways to make your newsletter work harder for you:✅ Use a video thumbnail for each edition.A great thumbnail grabs attention and increases click-through rates. Even a short 15-30 second video introduction can create a stronger connection with your audience.✅ Add an SEO title and description for Google.Every LinkedIn newsletter edition is indexed by search engines. Optimizing these fields helps your content show up on Google, not just LinkedIn, giving you long-term visibility.✅ End with a clear call-to-action.Each edition should tell your readers what to do next, whether that’s visiting your website, booking a call, signing up for a free training, or downloading your lead magnet.Your LinkedIn Newsletter isn’t just a content tool… It’s a brand-building engine when used intentionally.Don't forget to register for our FREE LinkedIn Content Creation Workshop called The Experts Edge, from November 24th to the 25th at 12 pm ET to 1 pm ET here: https://www.thetimetogrow.com/experts-edge-linkedin-content-that-closes-workshop

If you publish a LinkedIn newsletter, you’re probably missing out on three powerful hidden features that can help you get discovered beyond LinkedIn.Inside the settings of each newsletter edition, LinkedIn gives you the ability to:✅ Create a custom URL — perfect for SEO or sharing directly on other platforms.✅ Add an SEO title — the headline that Google sees (and ranks).✅ Add an SEO description — a short summary that appears in search results and helps potential readers decide to click.Most creators never touch these fields, but they can make the difference between your newsletter being seen by hundreds or discovered by thousands.If you’re serious about growing your readership, visibility, and search traffic, don’t skip these hidden settings.In today’s episode, I’ll walk you through how to access them, how to write optimized titles and descriptions, and how to leverage the custom URL for better shareability.Download our FREE LinkedIn Post Templates here:https://www.thetimetogrow.com/ecsposttemplates

🚫 How to Get Yourself Kicked Off LinkedIn (Hint: Don’t Take Bad Advice) 🚫In this episode, I dive into the easiest way to find yourself on the wrong side of LinkedIn’s policies: using unauthorized tools. There’s a lot of bad advice out there. People will say, “Oh, I use this bot or that extension and I haven't been caught.” But here’s the reality: if you actually read the LinkedIn User Agreement, you’ll see that using any third-party software to scrape data, automate connections, or message people is a surefire way to get kicked off the platform.Bottom line: if you want to stay on LinkedIn and thrive, stick to LinkedIn-approved tools like Sales Navigator. That’s the only automation they allow. Everything else is just a shortcut to losing your account. Stay smart, stay compliant, and keep your LinkedIn journey safe!Don't forget to download our FREE LinkedIn Post Templates here:https://www.thetimetogrow.com/ecsposttemplates

Growing a company page on LinkedIn doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require using the right levers.Here are the three main ways you can do it:1️⃣ Use Your Invite CreditsEvery month, LinkedIn gives page admins 250 invite credits to invite their connections to follow the page. This is the fastest, most organic way to grow your following. Don’t let these go to waste.2️⃣ Repost Content from Your Personal ProfileYour personal profile usually gets more engagement than your company page. The smart move? Take your best-performing posts and also share them on your company page. This way, you’re fueling visibility in both places.3️⃣ LinkedIn AdvertisingYes, you can run ads to grow your company page, but in most cases, this only makes sense for medium and large companies with bigger marketing budgets. For most small businesses and entrepreneurs, the ROI just isn’t there.👉 My advice? Double down on #1 and #2. They’re cost-effective, powerful, and give you consistent growth without breaking the bank.Download our free "High Impact Posts for LinkedIn" template here:https://www.thetimetogrow.com/ecsposttemplates

Most professionals say they want to be seen as an expert on LinkedIn.But here’s the truth: your positioning doesn’t happen by accident.If you want your profile to work for you, not against you, you need to be intentional about how you show up.Here are four expert moves you can implement right now:Optimize Your Background Banner: Your banner is your digital billboard. It should immediately communicate who you help, what you do, and why someone should connect with you.Craft a Powerful LinkedIn Headline:Your headline isn’t just your job title. It’s a positioning statement that tells your ideal client how you can solve their problems.Gather Recommendations:Social proof matters. Ask colleagues, clients, or partners you’ve worked with to leave recommendations that showcase your credibility.Create Quality, Engaging Content:Don’t just post to post. Share content that resonates with your ideal client, showcases your expertise, and establishes your authority in your niche.When you align your profile and content this way, you stop blending in with the crowd and start standing out as the go-to expert in your space.Don't forget to register for our FREE "LinkedIn Client Journey" Workshop that starts today here: https://www.thetimetogrow.com/the-linkedin-client-journey-workshop

Ever wondered how to jump on LinkedIn's hottest video trends right from your phone? Well, they just made it a whole lot easier. LinkedIn has rolled out a brand new "Top Trending Topic Video" feature on the mobile app, and it's basically your shortcut to creating short-form videos on topics that are already trending.Here’s how it works: Open the LinkedIn mobile app, go to the video-only feed, and tap the little waffle box in the top left corner (yep, those four little squares). You'll see a list of top trending categories that LinkedIn is highlighting. Just pick a topic, click the add button, and record your own take in real-time. It's that simple to hop on a trending wave and get your content noticed. So if you’re ready to boost your visibility with what's trending, this is your chance. The "Top Trending Video" feature makes it super easy to not only see what topics are hot but also to add your voice to the conversation instantly. Just a few taps and you're creating video content that aligns perfectly with what LinkedIn is promoting.So give it a try, and let those trending topics shine a little extra spotlight on your LinkedIn presence!Don't forget to sign up for our FREE LinkedIn Client Journey Workshop from September 22nd - September 26th here: https://www.thetimetogrow.com/the-linkedin-client-journey-workshop

If your LinkedIn Featured Content section is empty, you’re leaving money on the table. Most people scroll right past it because they either don’t know it exists or they’ve never used it strategically. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to turn this overlooked piece of your profile into a client-attracting, email-list-building powerhouse. Here’s what you’ll discover:- Where to find it & how to set it up (even if it’s not showing on your profile yet)- The 3 must-have pieces of content to feature if you want more calls, leads, and email subscribers- How to reorder your content so the most important links get seen firstReal examples of how I use mine to drive traffic, capture emails, and grow my LinkedIn newsletterBottom line — LinkedIn is rented land. If you’re not moving people from on-platform to off-platform into your world, you’re missing a huge opportunity.Don't forget to take our FREE Business Assessment here:https://www.magpaiassessments.com/4117/0

Picture this: Sarah posts great content daily but struggles to convert engagement into sales. The issue isn’t content. It’s trust. Without trust, people engage but hire others.The Trust Problem:Many professionals share valuable content but overlook the importance of relationship-building. Trust-based relationships have 2.5x higher close rates than cold outreach.Your Profile: The Trust Foundation:Your profile should communicate your value. Replace "Business Coach" with "Helping Service Providers Build Predictable Revenue Without the Hustle."Content Strategy That Builds Credibility:Show deep understanding of your audience’s challenges. Share case studies and thought leadership to build trust and establish credibility.Engagement That Converts:Engage authentically by commenting thoughtfully and adding value. Consistent, meaningful interactions turn you into a trusted resource.Strategic Follow-Up:Follow up naturally, share helpful resources and insights, and build the relationship over time, rather than rushing to close.Why Trust Outperforms Traditional Sales:People buy from those they trust. Trust speeds up sales and attracts higher-value clients who are willing to pay for your expertise.- Your Trust-Building Action Plan- Audit your LinkedIn profile to ensure it builds trust.- Focus on educating and solving problems.- Spend 15 minutes daily engaging meaningfully with your network.The Long-Term Value of Trust:Building trust isn’t a quick fix, but a sustainable strategy that attracts premium clients and drives long-term success.Check out the sponsor of this podcast, The Expert Content Society, here: https://www.thetimetogrow.com/expert-content-society

Most People Treat LinkedIn Like a Platform..... But It’s Actually a Pipeline.If you're still treating your content like a “nice-to-have,” you're missing what it's doing:It's filling the top of your sales funnel.The right kind of content posted consistently and with a purpose isn’t just about likes and impressions.It’s about building the kind of trust, authority, and relatability that gets people to take action.Here’s what that looks like in real life:Someone engages with your post? That’s a signal. Message them. Ask what resonated.Someone votes on your poll? You’ve got data and a reason to follow up. Now you’re having conversations, not cold outreach.Someone subscribes to your newsletter? Don’t ignore it. Reach out. Thank them. Start building the relationship.This is how you move people from online to offline.From “scrolling” to scheduling.But it only works if you’re showing up with content that teaches, shares, and connects without sounding like everyone else.That’s why I’m such a fan of using text-based image posts, poll questions, and newsletter editions that combine your lived experience with smart structure.If you get this right, you’ll never have to rely on cold DMs, pitchy connection requests, or spammy sales tactics again.Your content can do the heavy lifting.But only if you treat LinkedIn like the top of your funnel and not just another place to “show up.”

Most people on LinkedIn are trying to create leads the hard way…Cold messages. Mass outreach. Endless posting with little response.But what if I told you there are three easy opportunities already sitting inside your LinkedIn account that you're probably ignoring? In this episode, I break down three simple strategies to generate more warm leads without spending a dime on ads and without spamming anyone:Push Notifications with Purpose: - LinkedIn notifies you when someone changes jobs or celebrates a work anniversary, but most people tend to ignore these notifications.- What if you used them to send a personalized message that starts a conversation?Poll Voter Follow-Up:- Every time someone votes on your LinkedIn poll, they’re raising their hand and showing interest.- Don’t let that opportunity disappear; send them a tailored message based on how they voted. Newsletter Subscriber Outreach:- These are individuals who opt to receive regular updates from you.- Why not reach out, thank them, and ask what kind of content or support would be most helpful to them?None of this is gimmicky.None of this requires you to be pushy.It's all about messaging with intention and starting real, relevant conversations.Don't forget to sign up for our FREE "Clients on Command: Your LinkedIn Content Roadmap" Workshop here:https://www.thetimetogrow.com/LinkedInContentRoadmap