Episode 33: Transcript

Chareen Goodman [00:00:04]:
Welcome to the Crack the Coaching C.O.D.E.™ Podcast, where every other Thursday Coach and consultants from all over the world can tune in to get a dose of good info to help them crack the code in their coaching or consulting business. On this podcast, you will get what you need to make your coaching or consulting Business a true dream Business, whether that's a short learn to earn knowledge session or a full length interview industry. This podcast will give you the inspiration, motivation, but above all, the encouragement you need to get you and keep you building and growing your own coaching or consulting practice.

Chareen Goodman [00:01:22]:
Hey there, coaches and consultants. Welcome to today's episode of the Crack the Coaching C.O.D.E.™ Podcast. I'm your host, Chareen Goodman, business coach and host of the Crack the Coaching C.O.D.E.™ Podcast. The one who guides you through the maze of modern coaching and consulting armed with nothing but wit, wisdom, and a bit of digital savvy. I'm thrilled to continue our series, the LinkedIn Authority Blueprint for Coach and Consultants. And today, we're diving head first into something that's got the LinkedIn world buzzing, and let's be honest, a bit baffled. Folks, the landscape of LinkedIn has changed again. I don't know if you've noticed this or not, but LinkedIn has specifically changed the way we've been connecting with our peers, possible collaborators, and Host importantly, our ideal future clients. So what's happening on LinkedIn? Well, in a nutshell, LinkedIn has tweaked the rules of the game, particularly around connection requests. Remember the good old days when you could send a personalized note with your connection invite, making it warm, personal, and frankly, more human. Yeah. Those days have taken a bit of a turn if you have a free LinkedIn account. It's becoming trickier to add that personal touch now, thanks to some new restrictions.

Chareen Goodman [00:02:23]:
You shoot out an invite and sit there wondering why the world seems silent on the other end. Friends, I feel your pain. I discovered this when I sent out a batch of invites in my typical outreach fashion, each one meticulously crafted, only to discover they were all sent without my personalized notes. Talk about a digital face palm moment. Right? But here's the silver lining. Change isn't always a setback. It can be a setup for something even grander. The key, adaptation and a sprinkle of innovation.

Chareen Goodman [00:03:02]:
As we dive into the next few segments, I encourage you to think of this not as a barrier, but as a call to up your LinkedIn game. It's time to get creative, get personal in new ways, and Host importantly, get connecting the right way. The game is changing, but so are we into even more savvier, more connected coaches and consultants. I've got some groundbreaking content lined up just for you. So my friends, it's time to grab that pen, paper, or iPad because in the next segment, we're peeling back the layers on some real struggles, but more importantly, real strategies for overcoming them. And trust me, it's gonna be game changing for you. Let's get ready to jump right in. See you in the next segment.

Chareen Goodman [00:03:57]:
Welcome back, beautiful people. We're here in segment 2, diving into the heart and sometimes the heartache of connecting on LinkedIn in this brand new LinkedIn maze. Today, we're not just speaking from theory. We're getting down with the real deal, the stories, the struggles, and that tug of war with patience as we all wait for those connection requests to transform into meaningful engagements. Let me lay it out there. So as of January 2024, those friendly folks at LinkedIn put a cap on how many personalized connection request notes we can send. Coaches and consultants with free accounts are now looking at a tight squeeze of 5 to 15 notes a month. Why, you ask? The goal seems noble enough.

Chareen Goodman [00:04:51]:
LinkedIn is on a mission to foster more thoughtful outreach. Dial down on the spam and automation frenzy, and let's not forget, give a nudge towards their premium monthly subscriptions. And with a community now over a billion strong, it's a bustling digital world out there. I heard from Mia, a leadership coach in sunny California who shared, "I planned to launch my big coaching program this spring, reaching out to new connections on LinkedIn, then this curveball. It felt like running into a digital wall at full speed." Ouch! And then there's Michael from Toronto, a consultant in the Green Tech space, and he mentioned, "Talk about a switcheroo. It's like trying to have a lively dinner conversation, but being told you can only say 15 words per meal.Very tricky".

Chareen Goodman [00:05:45]:
Boy, the frustration is real, and it stings of discouragement. But here in our little corner of the podcast world, we're all about flipping the script. So what do we as savvy coaches and consultants do? We get innovative. We get strategic. Instead of seeing this as a blockade, let's view it as a creative challenge. As people who cause transformation for others, that's what we do. We rise to the challenges in front of us.

Chareen Goodman [00:06:18]:
So how can we make our outreach even more impactful now that every note counts like gold? First off, don't put all your eggs in the connection request basket. Shift your LinkedIn strategy to start engaging outside the LinkedIn inbox. Find posts that resonate with you and leave comments that spark conversation and showcase your insight. In my upcoming LinkedMinded™ Using AI group coaching program, I have some amazing ways I'll be training participants on how to do this, which will skyrocket your LinkedIn game plan. I encourage you to seriously consider enrolling in this program because you will be blown away not only by what you learn, but by what you implement. And here's a playful but powerful idea you can implement right now is to treat your connection notes like a prized collection. Be selective in the people you wanna connect with and be purposeful in your outreach, where it is almost as if you're crafting a limited edition of personal notes each month. Make each one of your outreach actions count, quality over quantity, and targeted versus scatter shots.

Chareen Goodman [00:07:33]:
Just don't forget, the restrictions can be the mother of invention. Get creative, get targeted. This is your time to shine brighter, engage deeper, and connect smarter. Now hang in there, my coaching and consulting champions. Stay tuned because just around the corner, I've got a few pre game changer strategies that'll have you seeing these challenges Welcome back, my fellow trailblazers. This segment, oh, it's all about turning those LinkedIn lemons into the zestiest lemonade you've ever tasted. In this segment, we're talking all about turning those tough LinkedIn changes into your strategic advantage. And guess what? You've got more power in your hands than you might think.

Chareen Goodman [00:08:29]:
Let's get started diving into those game changers that will transform the way you connect, engage, and thrive on LinkedIn. First up, let's tackle this head on. The days of spray and pray and wham, bam thank you spam on LinkedIn. Well, they're out. Gone are the times of unlimited connection requests with personalized notes. Bummer. I know. Now we're playing in a field where clarity, focus, and precision in connecting with our targeted market aren't just nice to have.

Chareen Goodman [00:09:05]:
They're must haves. Imagine this. Every month, you're given a precious handful of 5 to 15 golden tickets in the form of connection requests with notes. Yes. They seem limited, but think of them as your select pass to connect with people who truly matter to your business. That's your treasure chest for bridging the gap between you and those meaningful contacts, those who need and want your expertise, who can invest in your services, and who you genuinely want to do business with. Pause for reflection on this. But here's where the plot thickens, and the magic starts to unfold.

Chareen Goodman [00:09:47]:
Did you know about LinkedIn's Social Selling Index, SSI? It's this super cool metric, a key performance indicator that measures just how effectively you're engaging on the platform. Sure. You've got restrictions on connection requests, but your SSI, it's your secret weapon. Think of your SSI as your LinkedIn health check. It's looking at your ability to establish your brand, find the right people, engage with insights, and build relationships. The SSI score compares your performance against others in your industry or network, providing valuable insights into how your content resonates with your audience. It's like having a personal LinkedIn coach who tells you exactly what's working and where you can level up. The healthier your score, the more LinkedIn rewards you with the ability to connect broadly and deeply.

Chareen Goodman [00:10:45]:
With the SSI score as your guide, you can refine your strategy to focus on quality over quantity. No more spray and pray tactics. A higher SSI score not only garners respect, but also increases your visibility on LinkedIn. Did you know that? By engaging meaningfully with your posts, sharing relevant content, and interacting in a way that adds value, your SSI score climbs and so does the quality of your network. Consider your SSI score as more than just a number. It's a reflection of your LinkedIn prowess and an avenue to strategic growth amidst restrictions. So, my friends, as we launch out to navigate these capped and restrained LinkedIn waters, let's remember, constraints breed creativity. Again, when it comes to your ideal future clients, it's about quality over quantity, deep connections over broad networks, and genuine engagement over generic outreach.

Chareen Goodman [00:11:51]:
Before we wrap up this segment, here's a nugget for you to chew on. Your success on LinkedIn isn't just about playing by the rules. It's about innovatively engaging within those boundaries. Heck, that's what being an entrepreneur is all about. Right? Be that standout individual who uses every tool, every strategy, and every bit of AI wizardry to connect, build, and thrive to build and grow the business you dream of having. Stay tuned for more insights and inspirations in our next segment as we keep cracking the code together. And, hey, if you're curious about diving deeper into leveraging AI alongside strategies like your SSI score. My LinkedMinded™ Using AI group coaching program is just around the corner.

Chareen Goodman [00:12:41]:
Early enrollment opens after Memorial Day. Book a LinkedMinded™ Insight Call with me to see if the program is the right fit for you. Welcome back, listeners. If there's one segment you'll want to lean in for, it's this one. We're about to get up close and personal with some insider strategies on cracking the LinkedIn Coach. And, yes, it involves a little AI wizardry. How about we sprinkle some AI magic into our LinkedIn strategy? Consider artificial intelligence your digital wand for standing out as an authority brand to your targeted audience. Power tools like ChatGPT can be your ally in crafting a LinkedIn profile that screams expertise and authenticity if you know how to ask the right questions.

Chareen Goodman [00:13:41]:
Another concept I'll be covering in my LinkedMinded™ Using AI coaching program. Just imagine leveraging AI to analyze the most engaging posts in your field or niche. Using AI to optimize your profile based on successful patterns or using AI to simply draft connection notes that resonate more personally and specifically with those you want to connect with. Yep. There are quite a few to help you do this, and the ones I've discovered are awesome. With AI, you're not just another coach or consultant in a sea of professionals. You're the authority source of knowledge, expertise, and value that your ideal future clients gravitate towards. Okay.

Chareen Goodman [00:14:32]:
You've heard me rave about LinkedMinded™ Using AI. And trust me, it's not just because it sounds cool. It's because it is cool and powerful and transformative. It's all about using AI tools and technology to supercharge your LinkedIn presence, build your LinkedIn ecosystem, and engage meaningfully with your audience. Also, you can work smarter as you find quality leads and grow your business with LinkedIn. Again, with over a billion people on the platform, Friends, let's break it down into some actionable tips you can start implementing today.

Chareen Goodman [00:15:33]:
Tip number 1, optimize your profile for your ideal future clients. Use tools like ChatGPT to refine your headline, summary, and even your experience sections. I have a killer model that I'll be showing the coaches and consultants how to implement in my LinkedMinded™ Using AI coach program, and it's been working pretty well for me. Tip number 2. Content is king and engagement is queen. Before sending out a connection request, interact with your target's content. Leave thoughtful comments, share their Host with your insights, and make your virtual presence known. When the time comes to connect, your name will light up in recognition. And, yes, there are strategies and AI tools that can help you with that. Tip number 3, Create your own authority thought leadership content with an AI assistant.

Chareen Goodman [00:16:22]:
Why are you doing all of the heavy lifting when it comes to content these days? Let your AI assistant help you craft content that resonates with your targeted audience and helps you grow your following. Use AI tools to analyze top performing posts in your niche and use the insights you get to model your own content. I want you to start thinking of AI as your personal content strategy consultant. AI has totally helped me 10 x my content game. I wrote about this in one of my blog posts. I'll leave a link to it in the show notes.

Chareen Goodman [00:17:10]:
Tip number 4. You still need to personalize and do it at scale with the help of AI. Yes. The personalized notes you use to send with your connection requests may now be limited. But what if you could ensure each one is so impactful that your acceptance rate skyrockets? Mine has. I currently have an average 42% acceptance rate on my connection request. Can you believe that with a little help from AI, you can understand your prospects' interests, challenges, and language, making your invitation impossible for them to ignore? It's true. Again, something I am training and coaching on in my program. Remember, using AI isn't about being inauthentic. Not at all.

Chareen Goodman [00:17:54]:
In fact, it's quite the opposite. It's about bringing all of your humanness to the forefront while harnessing the power of AI technology to deepen connections, to be more attuned to your audience's needs, and to present yourself as the go to expert they've been searching for. So there you have it. In a world where LinkedIn is putting up fences, we're not just finding the gate, We're creating our own keys. These strategies aren't just about surviving. They're about thriving in your coaching or consulting business with LinkedIn and AI. And with that, we wrap up another juicy segment. Stay with me for the final segment.

Chareen Goodman [00:18:44]:
We're talking about the exciting future of LinkedIn connection, and how you can stay ahead of the curve. You won't want to miss it. See you over in the final segment. And just like that, my dear listeners, we find ourselves at the end of today's enlightening journey in our series, the LinkedIn Authority Blueprint for Coach and Consultants. We've been diving right into the heart of LinkedIn's recent changes, and, yes, it's a mixed bag of tricks, folks. But fear not. If you're serious about rising above these hurdles, my LinkedMinded™ Using AI group coaching program is brewing just for you. I encourage you to book a LinkedMinded™ Insight Call with me.

Chareen Goodman [00:19:37]:
Remember, nothing beats amiss but a try. So now at this point, standing here, peering through the digital looking glass as it were, it's impossible not to feel a buzz of excitement for what lies ahead. Right? The LinkedIn landscape is always evolving, and with evolution comes innovation. A playground for forward thinking coaches and consultants like you, challengers of the status quo, and, yes, the ideal future client connection seekers. A lot was covered today. Starting from the simple act of sending out a digital hello to weaving webs of professional connections, LinkedIn has transformed the way we network, share knowledge, and build our businesses. Now I know with every change comes a tinge of trepidation. I already hear some of you saying, "But wait, Chareen, what if I can't keep up?" And some of you are saying, "What if the rules keep changing?" I get it.

Chareen Goodman [00:20:40]:
But here's a nugget of wisdom from our journey so far that I want you to keep in your back pocket. Each change, each challenge is but a stepping stone to your success on LinkedIn. You got this. Remember our motto from earlier, adapt, innovate, connect? These aren't just words. These words are used to navigate the ebbs and flows of digital networking as coaches and consultants. Just remember these points. Genuine engagement is a two way street and often leaves a far more lasting impression. While the digital landscape shifts beneath our feet, our ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive will always be our greatest asset.

Chareen Goodman [00:21:28]:
By leveraging your SSI score alongside strategic personal engagement, you can turn perceived limitations into powerful opportunities for growth, connection, and success on LinkedIn. Remember, the LinkedIn landscape is constantly evolving, but so are the tools and tactics at your disposal. With a sprinkle of AI magic and a dose of strategic know how, you're set not just to play the game, but to redefine it. So as we wrap up today's episode, I want to leave you with a nugget of encouragement. Keep pushing the boundaries. Keep finding new ways to share your unique story, your insights, and your value. And above all, keep connecting, not just for the sake of adding another number to your contacts list, but for the rich journey of growth and discovery that each new connection represent. And, hey, I wanna hear your stories.

Chareen Goodman [00:22:34]:
How have you turned a LinkedIn challenge into a victory? What creative strategies have you employed to make those precious connection requests count? Jump into our community conversations. Subscribe to stay looped into all our future adventures. As we continue to prepare for the future of LinkedIn networking, consider joining my LinkedMinded™ Using AI group coaching program. With early enrollment on the horizon after Memorial Day, it's your chance to be at the forefront of building your LinkedIn strategy and ecosystem using AI. And if you're keen to get started, booking a LinkedMinded™ Insight Call  with me is the way to go. Check out the show notes for links.

Chareen Goodman [00:23:35]:
And that's a wrap, my friends. Don't forget to join us for our next episode where we'll continue to help bring greater success to your coaching and consulting business. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, make sure you check out the show notes for this episode for more resources, and please visit our website. Be sure to subscribe to the Crack the Coaching C.O.D.E.™ Podcast so that you don't miss out on any of our episodes. Until next time, my friend. Blessings. 💛